Environmental pollution is not just an ecological issue—it is a profound public health crisis. Pollutants in air, water, soil, and food have direct and indirect effects on human health, contributing to a rise in diseases, mortality rates, and economic burdens globally. Understanding the link between pollution and public health is critical to advancing preventive healthcare, shaping policy, and developing pharmaceutical and medical interventions.
Environmental pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate natural resources, disrupting ecosystems and threatening human well-being. There are several key types of pollution affecting public health today:
Pollution-related diseases are on the rise globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 7 million people die annually from air pollution-related causes. The impact of pollutants manifests in both acute and chronic conditions, many of which are preventable.
Common Health Conditions Linked to Pollution:
Not all populations are equally affected by environmental pollution. The most vulnerable include:
A PhD in this area allows researchers to study how pollutants in air, water, and soil contribute to disease outbreaks, chronic health conditions, and overall community well-being. Scholars examine exposure pathways, analyze public health data, and develop interventions or policies to mitigate health risks. This research is vital for advancing environmental health strategies worldwide.
Numerous studies and public health reports show a direct correlation between pollution and disease burden:
The healthcare system plays a pivotal role in identifying, managing, and mitigating pollution-related diseases. Medical research is increasingly focusing on:
Pharmaceutical and public health professionals must collaborate to combat the long-term effects of environmental exposure and support patient education and prevention.
Environmental pollution is a silent yet powerful driver of global disease. It exacerbates health disparities, burdens healthcare systems, and contributes to preventable mortality. A multidisciplinary approach—uniting healthcare, research, and environmental policy—is essential for reducing its impact. For medical and pharmaceutical professionals, understanding these connections is vital to shaping better therapeutic, diagnostic, and public health outcomes.
As IMJ Health continues to support open-access research in public health, we encourage scholars to submit studies that explore the intersection of environmental science and medicine.
How does air pollution affect human health?
Air pollution contributes to respiratory illnesses like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. Fine particles (PM2.5) and toxic gases can also trigger heart disease and stroke, particularly in urban and industrial regions.
Which pollutants are most dangerous to public health?
Particulate matter, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), industrial chemicals, and microbial contaminants in water are among the most harmful pollutants. They affect multiple systems—respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal.
Can pollution lead to long-term health effects?
Yes. Chronic exposure to pollutants may cause long-term damage, such as developmental delays in children, neurological disorders, fertility issues, and increased cancer risks.
How are low-income populations more affected by pollution?
Low-income communities often live closer to pollution sources, like factories or waste sites. They may lack access to clean water, healthcare, or protective infrastructure, increasing their risk of pollution-related diseases.
What role can healthcare professionals play in pollution control?
Doctors and pharmacists can raise awareness, identify pollution-related symptoms early, advocate for community health measures, and contribute to research on exposure-related diseases.
How can individuals reduce their exposure to environmental pollutants?
Using air purifiers, wearing masks in high-smog areas, drinking filtered water, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals at home can help reduce exposure risks.
Citation Indices | All | Since 2019 |
Citation | 231 | 195 |
h-index | 7 | 6 |
i10-index | 3 | 3 |
Acceptance Rate (By Year) | |
Year | Percentage |
2024 | 8.17% |
2023 | 10.84% |
2022 | 9.14% |
2021 | 11.26% |
2020 | 11.8% |
2019 | 10.3% |
2018 | 8.65% |
2017 | 12.9% |
2016 | 10.9% |
2015 | 12.5% |