Effects of Pharmaceuticals on Public Health
"There is a lack of awareness of the concept [of pharmaceutical pollution]and the subtle but devastating effects these chemicals can have on human development and functioning"
(Smith, 2000, p. 223).
Because there is no current mapping of the effects of chronic exposure to public health, little is done by health care workers to minimize the environmental impact. Indeed, "healthcare professionals are trained in the therapeutic usage of powerful pharmaceuticals and are accustomed to thinking in terms of acute toxic effects and dose/response curves. The cumulative effect of drain disposal of these drugs is not on the radar for most healthcare professionals" (Smith, p. 223).
Effects of Mercury on Public Health
Humans are exposed to mercury via inhalation, contact with contaminated soil and water, exposure to mercury-containing products such as dental amalgams, and through the consumption of food, particularly fish (Environment Canada, 2004). According to Environment Canada, the human health effects of mercury exposure include:
- Damage to the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, and liver
- Exposure while in the womb can lead to neurodevelopmental problems in children
- Impaired cardiovascular and immune function
- Impaired ability to see, feel, move, and taste
- Numbness
- Tunnel vision
- Personality changes
- Stupor
- Coma
- Death
Effects of Dioxin on Public Health
"Dioxin is a known human carcinogen. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, current general population exposure to dioxin may cause a lifetime cancer risk that is 1,000 times higher than the EPA's "acceptable" risk level" (Health Care Without Harm, 2005, para. 2). In addition to the carcinogenic effects of dioxin exposure, there are many other serious health effects including:
- Birth defects
- Learning disorders
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
- Immunotoxicity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Dermal effects
- Reduced IQ and hyperactive behaviour in children