The recent Hollywood thriller Erin Brockovich is based on the true story of a small Californian community fighting against a major corporation over the issue of environmental pollution and its effects on people's health. A tenacious filing clerk for a small law firm, played by Julia Roberts, doggedly unearths evidence linking the company's metal dumps with the development of cancers, and the occurrence of multiple miscarriages. Many of the town's inhabitants are left with chronic health problems; they eventually win compensation following years of denial and obfuscation by the company.
Could the same thing happen here? In the rush to feed the Celtic Tiger's insatiable appetite for industrial development, are we putting people's health at risk? What are the risks for both workers and those living cheek-by-jowl with modern industrial plants?
How the environment can affect human health
Research by the World Health Organisation has quantified the burden of disease attributable to certain risk factors. Malnutrition contributes most to global ill health, followed by poor water quality. Air pollution and occupation are also significant causes of global disability. While malnutrition is overwhelmingly a problem in developing countries, other environmental factors are as likely to exist in the First as the Third World.
Water quality
Pollution released into a river will usually be transported downstream, although some pollutants can bind to sediment near where they are released. Ground pollution in the form of lead or dioxins may accumulate in soil and it is possible for these to find their way into the water table. Both lead and dioxins cause blood abnormalities in humans.
Last year's annual report of the Environmental Protection Agency pointed to another risk to human health from private and group water schemes: 42 per cent of group schemes tested were found to contain a bug called Ecoli. This microbe is a by-product of human and animal waste and is a common cause of gastroenteritis. The deadly 0157 version has also been transmitted to humans from contaminated drinking water.
In addition, public water supplies in Counties Donegal, Louth, Laois, Meath and Galway had excessive levels of chemicals called trihalomethane (THM). It is a byproduct of water chlorination. Containing a suspected carcinogen, THM has not yet been linked to human ill health, but its presence is clearly a worry. Nitrate levels are also rising in some water supplies, thanks to increasing fertilizer use.
Chemicals which disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system have also been found in water. These so-called "gender benders" include polychlorinated biphemyls (PCBs) and dioxin. These chemicals can seep out of plastic pipes and have been implicated in the decline of human fertility.
Air Quality
The destruction of batteries and the burning of lead can lead to lead poisoning. Mild lead toxicity can cause abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite, headaches and muscle and joint pains. Lead affects the kidney, liver and blood systems. But of most concern is its toxicity in the brain. Fatigue, irritability and depression have been linked with lead poisoning. Acute symptoms include seizures and a delirium-like state. Lead poisoning in children causes mental handicap and is associated with the ingestion of lead in particular.
Certain solvents are known to cause asthma. They have also been linked with kidney disease.
How work can affect your health
Modern industry makes use of extensive technology. The manufacturing process can be complex; the consumer demands a product that is both highly functional and visually attractive. To achieve these twin aims means using processes and substances which carry a risk to human health.
One of the major achievements of this State's recent economic boom has been the creation of a highly developed electronics industry. Soldering is an essential part of the electronic manufacturing process. However, it releases fumes which are strongly associated with the development of occupational asthma. A person with no previous history of breathing problems may find themselves short of breath and wheezy. Unfortunately for some workers, the process is irreversible, and they are forced to seek alternative employment.
A similar situation can be caused by substances called isocyanates, which are again an essential element in achieving an attractive look to mobile phones, TVs and other glossily finished electronic products. Exposure to isocyanates has caused asthma in Irish workers. The substance sensitises the person' airways, essentially causing an allergic reaction in their lungs.
The Defence Forces deafness saga is another example of how the work environment can adversely impact on health. Exposure to noise levels above 80-85 decibels is known to cause irreversible hearing damage. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that, despite the increased public awareness brought about by the Army deafness claims, workers continue to be exposed to excessive noise levels.
How many of us use mobile phones as an essential part of work? While there is no definite evidence yet to link exposure to the development of tumours, the UK government recently warned against the use of mobiles by those aged under 16. Some scientists remain concerned about the serious long-term effects of mobile telephony.
Workplace health is monitored by the Health & Safety Authority. Environmental health is assessed by the Environmental Protection Agency. However, it is up to us to be aware of environmental and occupational risks to our health. With the pace of modern development outstripping the resources of regulatory authorities, individual vigilance may be all that stands between you and environmentally induced disease.
Contact Dr Houston at mhouston@irish-times.ie or leave messages on tel 01-6707711, ext 8511.