With the aim of creating a healthier environment more conducive to human health, a plan “ environment and health Is launched today by the government. We must act, because environmental factors and behavior are responsible for 15% of deaths in Europe.
Pollution and exposure to nuisances
In an attempt to control the risks that can impact human health, the 4th national environmental health plan, the PNSE 4, has been launched today. Indeed, according to estimates by the World Health Organization, 23% of deaths and 25% of chronic diseases, worldwide, are linked to environmental and behavioral factors, such as air quality, of water, food or change of lifestyles. There are challenges to be met in all areas, as many of them have a detrimental impact on health and the environment: air pollution, exposure to chemicals (food, children’s toys, clothing, etc. household products, etc.), poor ventilation of homes, soil pollution, exposure to noise, electromagnetic fields, artificial lights, etc. All these factors impact the health of humans, animals and the environment and weaken the ecosystem.
According to the WHO, five new human pathologies appear each year. Among them, three have an animal origin, which notably involves wildlife. The health crisis linked to Covid-19 has only reaffirmed the existence of “ close links between human health, animal health and environmental health “. Also, the behavior of the human being, ” through their impact on biodiversity or climate change, weigh heavily in the origin of emerging infectious diseases, of which 60% are of animal origin “.
Improve your health by taking care of your environment
Since January 2019, professionals have been working on the PNSE 4. The government now wants everyone to be properly informed so that they can become involved in their health and their environment. He also wants to reduce environmental exposures to reduce health and ecosystem risks. Finally, scientific research also has its role to play, in order to provide knowledge on the understanding of the effects of this pollution over the course of a lifetime.
To do this, a multitude of tools will be made available to people, such as a digital service for “ know the quality of their immediate environment »And detect hazardous chemicals in everyday products. For example, toxiscore type labeling will be launched for household products. One billion of these products are purchased per year by the French, a figure which has fatally increased because of the Covid-19. However, the risks associated with their use are real. The quality of water is also in the government’s sights, because it is directly impacted by household products. Indeed, they are polluted by molecules contained in petrochemical detergents, a fact visible on certain French beaches, with the phenomena of foam.
On the other hand, the health of children must be protected. To achieve this, dangerous blue lights will be prohibited in toys intended for them.
In addition, biocidal products for pets can also be toxic. Owners must therefore obtain clear information about their dangers. Animal health surveillance will be strengthened in order to prevent the development of infectious diseases of animal origin.
It is essential to ” protect current and future generations »And it is by empowering professionals from all sectors, citizens, elected officials and researchers that everyone will be able to act in favor of a more favorable environment for health.
