03 June 2025

Health and Environment – How do air, water, and noise affect our bodies?

The relationship between environment and health is increasingly studied and debated. As our understanding deepens regarding how environmental elements affect physical and mental well-being, it becomes clear that an integrated approach is needed to promote public health. This article addresses how air quality, water safety, and noise levels directly interfere with the human body, highlighting the main consequences and outlining preventive measures.

Air Quality and Respiratory Diseases

Pollution and respiratory diseases are closely linked. Prolonged exposure to fine particles (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃), commonly found in urban and industrial areas, has been associated with a higher risk of conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and lung cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 7 million deaths per year are attributed to air pollution (WHO, 2023). Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are the most vulnerable groups. Moreover, studies reveal that poor air quality can also impact the cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Contaminated Water: Invisible Risks

Water is an essential resource, but when contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or pathogenic microorganisms, it becomes a silent carrier of disease. The main health issues caused by unsafe water consumption include gastroenteritis, hepatitis, cholera, and kidney dysfunctions.

Basic sanitation infrastructure and proper water treatment are critical to reducing these risks. In Portugal, although most of the population has access to potable water, there are still concerns about the presence of pharmaceutical residues and emerging pollutants that evade traditional filtration systems.

Noise Pollution: The Invisible Enemy

Excessive noise, particularly in urban environments, is more than a nuisance — it is a serious health threat. According to the European Environment Agency, continuous exposure to noise levels above 55 dB can lead to sleep disturbances, chronic stress, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases (EEA, 2020).

Studies also indicate that environmental noise affects cognitive performance, especially in children, and can compromise mental health by increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The WHO has already classified noise pollution as the second largest environmental risk factor for health in Europe, just behind air pollution.

Environment and Health: A Shared Responsibility

The connection between environment and health requires coordinated action among government entities, health institutions, businesses, and citizens. Promoting greener cities, reducing motor vehicle traffic, investing in clean energy, and strengthening environmental monitoring systems are essential to preventing the consequences of exposure to pollutants.

On an individual level, small actions such as using public transportation, choosing eco-friendly products, and advocating for sustainable policies also make a difference. Protecting the environment is, ultimately, taking care of one’s own health.