Friday, 10 July 2020

HEALTH HAZARDS OF MODERN LIVING - A PERSPECTIVE STUDY


Modern Living is a way used by people, groups and nations and is formed in specific geographical, economic, political, cultural and religious text. It includes day to day behaviors and functions of individuals in job, activities, fun and diet. In recent decades, life style as an important factor of health is more interested by researchers. According to WHO, 60% of related factors to individual health and quality of life are correlated to lifestyle. Millions of people follow modern lifestyle. Hence, they encounter illness, disability and even death. The relationship of lifestyle and health should be highly considered. The use of modern technology makes living better and brings certain advantages to people. Every day a new machine/ product/ gadget is invented for human use to ease their lives. This means that technology can bring us luxuries, but at the same time it can also be health hazardous leading to many health problems. 

Sick Building Syndrome 

Sick building syndrome due to internal pollution generated by noise from water on air cooler, airconditioner, generator, printer etc. in homes or offices causes breathing trouble, deafness, sleeplessness, tiredness, headache, eye-burning etc. Air conditioning units and the pollution within the atmosphere from both inside and outside the building are believed to be the main contributors. This pollution is then circulated around the build, which has a negative effect on the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), because of high numbers of air contaminants such as gases like CO, CO2, VOCs and particulates. Chemical rays from paint, varnish, nail polish, boot polish, mosquito liquid / gas pesticide and Carbon monoxide from fuel burning cause lung diseases. Long working on computer causes breathing trouble, deafness, sleeplessness, tiredness, headache, eye burning etc. Air freshener, deodorant, hairspray, varnish, polish, wood-binder (resin) etc. spread irritant gases in air which are the possible causes of sick building syndrome. Use of Cosmetics Historically, cosmetics began to be used 6.000 years ago and its use has spread throughout the world. Many advances in the cosmetic industry have increased our ability to enhance youth and beauty. Cosmetics and skin care products are currently consumed worldwide, with frequent use, increasing the exposure of the human body to the various chemical compounds. The use of these products is increasing around the world and a variety of chemical compounds used in the manufacture of these products grows at the same time. In this way, the risk of intoxication, allergic processes, prolonged chemical exposure, side effects and indiscriminate use are also increased. The side effects derived from the use of cosmetics pose health risks mainly due to exposure to numerous chemical substances. Its consequences can range from a simple mild hypersensitivity reaction to an anaphylactic process or even a lethal intoxication. Currently, the cosmetic industries have increased the use of compounds with preservative action, surfactant, fragrances, stains, etc. in the formulation of cosmetic products. The indiscriminate use of cosmetics may present itself as an emerging issue of public health. In front of the arising use of cosmetic products and the larger exposure to the formulas compounds for a large time and frequency, the side effects of these products become more frequent in the population around the world. Women and men all over the world use large amount of cosmetic products in pursuit of everlasting youth, ignoring the probable health risks. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of London said that 900 chemicals used in cosmetics are toxic. Most of the cosmetics contain toxic and flammable substances like benzene, formaldehyde, coal tar, lanolin (wool grease), phenylenediamine, phenoxyethanol, paralence etc. which may look nonhazardous when tested but they become hazardous when entered in skin or become old. They are used in eye shadows, shampoo, skin-cream, blushers, lipsticks, mascara, hair spray, perfumes, moisturizer, toothpaste, soap etc. 




Journal by Dr.Yashoda Tammineni,
MSc, Ph.D.
HSE,HOD at NIFS




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