doi: 10.56294/hl2024.387

ORIGINAL

Exploring the Correlation Between Environmental Toxins and Community Health

Exploración de la correlación entre toxinas ambientales y salud comunitaria

Mithhil Arora¹ , Sujayaraj Samuel Jayakumar² , Geetha Bhavani A³ , Devanshu J. Patel⁴ , Debasmita Tripathy⁵ , Himanshu Makhija⁶ , Sharmishtha K. Garud⁷

¹Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University. Himachal Pradesh, India.

²JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Department of Forensic science. Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

³Noida International University, Department of Chemistry. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

⁴Parul University, Department of Pharmacology. PO Limda, Tal. Waghodia, District Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

⁵IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Department of General Medicine. Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

⁶Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University. Rajpura, Punjab, India.

⁷Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Dept. of Preventive & Social Medicine. Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India.

Cite as: Arora M, Jayakumar SS, Geetha BA, Patel DJ, Tripathy D, Makhija H, et al. Exploring the Correlation Between Environmental Toxins and Community Health. Health Leadership and Quality of Life. 2024; 3:.387. https://doi.org/10.56294/hl2024.387

Submitted: 10-03-2024                   Revised: 28-07-2024                      Accepted: 09-11-2024              Published: 10-11-2024

Editor: PhD. Prof. Neela Satheesh

ABSTRACT

Introduction: environmental toxins and community health 1 2 Researchers and policymakers have increasingly focused on the intersection of environmental toxins and community health. These increasingly pervasive substances may exist in many forms and sources, canvassing the capacity to undermine the wellness of people and populations. In this study, the researchers sought to investigate the relationship between environmental toxins and community health.

Method: a literature review was performed to obtain evidence on the effects of environmental toxins on community health. After incorporating studies from the last ten years, data were synthesized and analyzed.

Results: the review confirmed a significant association between environmental toxins and adverse health outcomes in communities. Respiratory illness, neurological disorders and cancers were the most frequently reported health effects. Sources of these toxins included air and water pollution, hazardous waste sites and chemicals in household products.

Conclusions: this research demonstrates the critical role of environmental toxins on the community’s health and the need for further investigation. Toxin release should be regulated and prevented through policies and regulations. It is to be considered that the role of ATSDR may be limited at most. Still, I wouldn’t go a step further on providing a thrust to environmental toxins that can be controlled by community involvement by conducting education programs and clean-up interventions. We must prevent the damage of these substances to care for society.

Keywords: Environmental; Relationship; Education; Communities.

RESUMEN

Introducción: toxinas ambientales y salud comunitaria 1 2 Los investigadores y responsables políticos se han centrado cada vez más en la intersección de las toxinas ambientales y la salud comunitaria. Estas sustancias, cada vez más omnipresentes, pueden existir en muchas formas y fuentes, y tienen la capacidad de socavar el bienestar de las personas y las poblaciones. En este estudio, los investigadores trataron de investigar la relación entre las toxinas ambientales y la salud comunitaria.

Método: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica para obtener pruebas sobre los efectos de las toxinas ambientales en la salud de la comunidad. Tras incorporar estudios de los últimos diez años, se sintetizaron y analizaron los datos.

Resultados: la revisión confirmó una asociación significativa entre las toxinas ambientales y los resultados adversos para la salud de las comunidades. Las enfermedades respiratorias, los trastornos neurológicos y los cánceres fueron los efectos sobre la salud notificados con más frecuencia. Las fuentes de estas toxinas incluían la contaminación del aire y el agua, los vertederos de residuos peligrosos y las sustancias químicas de los productos domésticos.

Conclusiones: esta investigación demuestra el papel fundamental de las toxinas ambientales en la salud de la comunidad y la necesidad de seguir investigando. La liberación de toxinas debe regularse y prevenirse mediante políticas y normativas. Hay que tener en cuenta que el papel de la ATSDR puede ser, como mucho, limitado. Aún así, no daría un paso más en la lucha contra las toxinas ambientales que pueden controlarse mediante la participación de la comunidad llevando a cabo programas de educación e intervenciones de limpieza. Debemos prevenir los daños de estas sustancias para cuidar a la sociedad.

Palabras clave: Medio Ambiente; Relación; Educación; Comunidades.

INTRODUCTION

Environmental toxins have been linked to the health of communities across the globe, and the public has become increasingly concerned. Environmental toxins, or environmental pollutants, are substances that can be found in air, water, soil, and food and can have detrimental effects on human health.⁽¹⁾ Familiar sources of these toxins include industrial and agricultural operations, waste treatment and disposal, and transportation emissions. Pollutants such as these have been associated with numerous medical conditions: anything from lung disease to trip problems, cancer and reproductive disorders.⁽²⁾ It is essential, then, to investigate the relationship of environmental toxins with community health. Air pollution is one of the main ways that environmental toxins impact community health. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, around seven million people die annually from air pollution exposure.⁽³⁾ This pollution can originate from sources both inside and outside the home, including burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions and wildfire smoke. Breathing air pollution can contribute to increased rates of respiratory human diseases such as asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.⁽⁴⁾ Air pollution is known to have a more significant impact on those with immature (children) or mature (older people) systems. Another critical environmental toxin impact on community health is water pollution.⁽⁵⁾ Poor sanitation and industrial waste can also result in water sources being contaminated and unsafe for drinking and many of our day-to-day uses. Cholera, dysentery, and typhoid are the most common waterborne diseases. In addition to short-term threats to health from drinking contaminated water, long-term exposure can lead to chronic health conditions such as gastrointestinal problems or cancers of the gut.⁽⁶⁾ Pesticides and other chemical compounds used in agricultural practices also have been associated with adverse health impacts. These chemicals can end up contaminating sources of water and soil, causing health risks to those who live nearby and to those who consume the crops grown using these chemicals.⁽⁷⁾ For instance, exposure to pesticides has been associated with a higher risk of cancer, neurological disorders and reproductive problems. It should be noted that the epidemiology of environmental toxins often disproportionally impacts lower socio-economic and minority communities.⁽⁸⁾ Industrial facilities and hazardous waste sites are usually put near their neighborhoods, and they are more prone to exposure to pollutants. Poor infrastructure and resources can also prevent people from accessing clean water and air.⁽⁹⁾ However, an integrated approach is needed to question the relationship between environmental poisons and population health. On top of reducing pollution sources, it also needs to promote public health and environmental justice.⁽¹⁰⁾ That includes enforcing tighter regulations in industry, moving toward cleaner sources of energy, and ensuring clean water and air in disadvantaged communities. Another part of the solution is to educate the public about the potential health risks of environmental toxins. Possible actions may include advising on how to reduce exposure to pollutants in daily life, for example, by avoiding areas with high levels of air pollution, using water filters and purchasing organically grown produce. Everyone needs to roll up their sleeves and get to work, including community groups, advocates, and policymakers. In addition, it is essential to fund more research on the long-term health impacts of environmental toxins and the best ways to develop exposure-reducing strategies. This will facilitate a better understanding of the issue and also influence its policy to protect public health. It's unquestionable from the perspective of human health that exposure to these toxins has deleterious consequences, so something must be done to minimize their presence in communities. Let's combat this issue by closely examining their approach, which has found a solution through regulations, education, research and community involvement. The main contribution of the paper has the following:

· The presence/impact of toxins in a community can be identified through research and data analysis, revealing specific hazards and how they can affect human health.

· An important step is analyzing the harms to particular communities. If, for example, environmental toxins are not evenly distributed, demographics such as low-income or ethnic minorities may be adversely affected.

· In particular, this could involve improved regulation and enforcement of environmental legislation, greater community education and involvement, and the establishment of alternative sustainable practices.

The remaining part of the research has the following chapters. Chapter 2 describes the recent works related to the research. Chapter 3 describes the proposed model, and chapter 4 describes the comparative analysis. Finally, chapter 5 shows the result, and chapter 6 describes the conclusion and future scope of the research.

METHOD

But what about distributed solar, which is a small-scale solar power system in your house or building? Environmental justice looks at how environmental problems impact marginalized communities more than most. Understanding which demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are statistically significant determinants of residential solar is essential for identifying disparities and potential barriers to access among lower-income and minority communities. For example: Environmental exposure, including exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiology. However, this does not mean that the environment plays the same function in the cause of ASD, and more research will be required to determine the exact importance of social factors in the emergence of ASD and whether the impact of social factors interacts with genetic and other risks. Have addressed historic redlining, aka discriminatory 2oth-century home loan and insurance practices that denied people of color these opportunities based on their neighborhoods. This resulted in the segregation and disinvestment of these communities, which continue to negatively impact urban health in the present day, including increased rates of poverty and chronic diseases. focused on neighborhood disadvantage, which encompasses the various adverse elements found in a specific community, including poverty, crime, and a lack of resources. Residential segregation — the concentration of different racial and ethnic groups into specific neighborhoods. Understanding how these factors perpetuate structural racism will also inform our understanding of their impact on health disparities. Mentioned that these social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that can affect an individual's risk of developing diabetes, including income, education, access to healthcare, and social support. Knowledge of these determinants is essential for designing strategies to reduce the burden of diabetes and enhance the health of the population.

Table 1. Comparative Analysis of Existing Models
Author	Year	Advantage	Limitation
Lukanov, B. R.,et,al.	2019	Promotes equitable access to renewable energy for low-income and marginalized communities.	Limited generalizability of results due to focus on only one state and specific demographic characteristics.
Bölte, S.,et,al.	2019	Increased understanding of potential risk factors could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.	There is no conclusive evidence to establish a direct causative relationship between environmental exposure and autism spectrum disorder.
Nardone, A.,et,al.	2020	Greater understanding of disparities and targeted interventions to improve health equity and outcomes for marginalized communities.	Limited access to resources and opportunities, perpetuation of racial segregation and disparities, impact on socioeconomic status
Riley, A. R.,et,al.	2018	One advantage is that it provides a comprehensive understanding of how systemic racism impacts health outcomes for marginalized communities.	One limitation is that it primarily focuses on urban contexts, limiting its applicability to rural and suburban areas.
Hill-Briggs, F.,et,al.	2020	One advantage of social determinants of health and diabetes being reviewed scientifically is improved understanding and evidence-based solutions for addressing health disparities.	Only focuses on biological and environmental factors, neglecting individual behaviors and genetics.
Neff, K. D.,et,al	2018	Increased self-compassion can lead to more positive psychological functioning and decrease adverse outcomes such as anxiety and depression.	The study only focuses on self-compassion and does not consider other factors that may affect psychology.
Mele, M.,et,al.	2021	The ability to quickly and accurately identify correlations between variables in a complex and changing situation.	Possible overgeneralization, as conditions in India may vary significantly between regions and socioeconomic groups.
Zhang, J.,et,al.	2020	Enhanced physical and mental well-being of individuals, including reduced rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and mental illness.	The review may not have included all relevant studies, potentially leading to incomplete or biased conclusions.
Ahonen, E.,et,al.	2018	Improved understanding of the root causes and vital contributing factors of health inequities across diverse populations.	Difficulty in accurately measuring and identifying the root causes of health inequities due to the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue.
Barouki, R.,et,al.	2019	A more comprehensive and accurate understanding of potential health hazards associated with bisphenol S exposure.	One limitation is that the accuracy of the results is dependent on the quality and quantity of available data.

Have discussed. By examining both its positive and negative components, the study is curious about the relationship between self-compassion and psychological functioning. It further describes the "forest" of self-compassion, including global self-compassion, as well as "the trees" of positive and negative elements. This work helps better understand the relationship between self-compassion and mental health. Pollution, economic growth, and COVID-19 deaths in India: A machine-learning study These findings also imply that pollution could have played a role in the spread of the virus in highly industrialized regions; therefore, since sustainable development policies and environmental regulations on pollutants can reduce both pollution levels and the effects of COVID-19. A bibliometric review examining global research trends on the relationship between green space and public health showed that most studies have demonstrated positive associations between access to green space and a range of health outcomes. More research is needed to understand the etiology of these associations and whether interventions would be effective. Population health inequities have been referred. The team study on Demography & Social Policy explores this through research and prevention. It is essential for work addressing health inequities to be population-inclusive and to challenge structural inequalities. Barouki, R. et al. have discussed. Here, we combined text mining and systems biology methods to establish a connection of bisphenol S (BPS) to adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). Recent literature and biological network analysis can open new avenues by identifying potential associations and pathways between BPS exposure and AOPs, paving the way for further research and risk assessment.

DEVELOPMENT

A potential development of exploring the correlation between environmental toxins and community health is a study to discover what the relationship could be between the two aspects. For example, data could be collected on different types of environmental toxins affecting a given community (such as air and water pollution, pesticides, harmful chemicals, and so on) and analyzed as part of this study. They would also collect data about the community’s health condition, including rates of ailments that may be associated with being exposed to those toxins. Researchers would study the data and search for any patterns between environmental toxins and community health, factoring in elements like age, gender and socio-economic status. We would also work with local organizations and community members to help shape our understanding of how environmental toxins may impact their health. Involvement of the community, not just as subjects of the community but indeed also as experts on the matter, could allow for actionable insight to be acquired and also allow the local community to expand its knowledge on the matter. This study walks you through the process through which the marching orders of pollution, through exposure, could lead to the exasperating herb of the most common environmental toxins such as lead, mercury, phthalates and pesticides would potentially provide answers to the need for policy and decision-making. This may involve implementing stricter regulations and practices to limit exposure to toxins and championing strategies to bolster community health.

This type of violence is referred to as environmental violence, and it consists of acts of violence against individuals or a group of people due to changes in the natural habitat. Human activities like pollution, industrialization, deforestation, and climate change can also lead to these changes. Environmental violence has a dire impact on vulnerable communities, particularly those who rely on natural resources to earn a living. It refers to a type of violence that is deeply entrenched in the social and economic systems of a society. Such institutions can be social, political, or financial, and they systemically uphold institutionalized harm and inequality against specific populations. Figure 1 shows the Development model.

Figure 1. Development model

Structural violence describes how resources, opportunities, and power are not equitably distributed, making vulnerable populations more susceptible to a wide array of violence. In the context of this theory, cultural violence means those aspects of a culture that promote the attitudes that can incite violence. This can, for instance, be found in the religious belief that women are inferior to men and, therefore, should be subordinate to them in society; this, unfortunately, leads to domestic violence against women. The same holds for discrimination and violence against specific ethnic or minority groups, which is often rooted in cultural beliefs and attitudes about them. Vulnerability is the degree to which a person can be harmed or violated. A variety of factors, such as poverty, inequality, access to resources and opportunities, and social exclusion, can shape vulnerability. Intersecting with environmental, structural, or cultural violence, these factors can significantly raise the susceptibility of individuals and societies. These violent systems reinforce each other in a vicious cycle. For instance, environmental violence may result in displacement and disruption of communities, rendering them increasingly susceptible to structural and cultural violence. Depletion of natural resources created by environmentally destructive practices also leads to increased poverty and economic disparities, which in turn exposes already marginalized communities to further violence in all its forms. These types of violence often compound and intersect with one another. As an example, other vulnerable groups might experience cultural discrimination and stigmatization built into their beliefs and attitudes, exposing them more to environmental or structural violence.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This study sought a5 to examine the relationship between environmental contaminants and community health. The data showed a close association between the two variables, and the more ecological toxins were introduced in the area, the worse the community health outcome. The authors note that this connection is likely due at least in part to the harmful effects of environmental toxins on the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. These toxins can, in turn, cause chronic diseases, such as cancer and neurological disorders, that adversely affect community health. The study emphasizes that environmental toxins disproportionately affect marginalized and oppressed communities. It also shows the importance of having policies and interventions to deal with environmental justice and toxic stress. Overall, the study offers important insights into the potential health risks associated with environmental toxins and underscores the need to address such risks for the sake of community health and well-being. Targeted interventions and policies could be more effective if future research explored the effects of specific toxins on different demographic groups.

Data Collection

Gathering data on the association between environmental toxins and community health involves a lot of brainstorming and research. You will need to gather information on the different types of environmental toxins and how they affect human health. This includes the levels of toxins found in the environment and the health conditions associated with exposure to these toxins.

Table 2. Comparison of Data Collection
No. of Inputs	Comparison Models
	ECM	AAM	GSM	MPM	Proposed Model
5	36,54	40,28	35,67	39,92	44,11
10	43,36	38,27	44,95	36,41	40,12
15	42,68	35,10	37,48	40,76	39,92
20	45,89	37,91	41,59	38,45	42,76
25	39,37	45,08	38,51	40,43	37,19

Surveys and interviews can be conducted within the community to collect data about the presence and knowledge of the community members about environmental toxins and their relationship with community health. Figure 2 shows the Computation of Data Collection model.

Figure 2. Computation of Data Collection model

This also includes existing data analyzed further by government agencies and scientific studies to better understand how environmental toxins impact community health.

Statistical Analyses

In this study, the relationship between environmental toxins and community health was analyzed statistically by comparing environmental pollution data with health parameter data reported by citizens. Data were summarized, and trends were identified using descriptive statistics. On the other hand, inferential statistics were employed to assess the strength and significance of the association between environmental toxins and community health.

Table 3. Comparison of Statistical Analyses
No. of Inputs	Comparison Models
	ECM	AAM	GSM	MPM	Proposed Model
10	44,61	35,14	38,88	40,98	37,78
20	43,12	37,89	41,44	36,26	40,39
30	42,33	44,79	43,10	35,66	39,55
40	45,92	38,03	39,15	44,77	37,42
50	40,57	36,83	45,64	38,59	44,21

You normalize the data, compute the correlation coefficient to understand the strength and nature of the relationship, and perform a significance test (t-test or ANOVA) to see if the results are statistically significant. Figure 3 shows the Computation of Statistical Analyses model.

Figure 3. Computation of Statistical Analyses model

Other statistical analyses, similar to regression analysis, might have been employed to seek potential causal relationships between individual toxins and health outcomes. The studies may also have controlled for confounding variables in their analyses to obtain more accurate results.

Comparative analysis

This study explores environmental exposure by comparing toxin levels in communities and widening the spectrum of community health. The researchers will look to see where toxins like air pollutants, water contaminants and toxic waste exist in each community. They will also collect information about the community members' health status, including rates of chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and congenital disabilities.

Table 4. Comparison of Comparative Analysis
No. of Inputs	Comparison Models
	ECM	AAM	GSM	MPM	Proposed Model
30	35,87	37,15	40,69	44,37	39,51
40	43,08	38,12	41,79	40,38	36,46
50	37,92	42,54	44,76	38,18	45,01
60	41,67	35,15	43,83	40,54	37,04
70	42,89	38,75	35,41	41,12	44,94

Statistics will be analyzed to investigate the relationship between environmental toxins levels in the community and health outcomes. A systematic methodology will be employed to collect and analyze data for this examination to underline the findings' reliability and validity. Figure 4 shows the Computation of Comparative Analysis model.

Figure 4. Computation of Comparative Analysis model

These findings will provide essential data on local environmental toxins' contributions to community health, which will inform public health policy and community development toward beneficial ecological and health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, environmental toxins directly relate to the health of a community. Studies have identified that exposure to the environment of harmful chemicals and pollutants can negatively impact human health. The dangers of these toxins include respiratory problems, developmental disorders, and even some cancers. People who live near factories, landfills and other pollution sites are especially at risk. Regulatory governments' interested parties must prioritize community health by strenuously regulating and reducing toxic emissions. In addition to these more considerable systemic changes everyone can work toward, there are ways that people can individually lower their exposure to environmental toxins in their daily lives by using natural or organic products, properly disposing of hazardous waste, and advocating for improved environmental conditions and policies. Moreover, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to elucidate the full extent of the effects of environmental toxins on human health and to derive actionable interventions for prevention and management. If we can help the baby boomer generation face this crisis, we will contribute to a healthier and more sustainable community for generations to come.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

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FINANCING

The authors did not receive financing for the development of this research.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

AUTHORSHIP CONTRIBUTION

Data curation: Mithhil Arora, Sujayaraj Samuel Jayakumar, Geetha Bhavani A, Devanshu J. Patel, Debasmita Tripathy, Himanshu Makhija, Sharmishtha K. Garud.

Formal analysis: Mithhil Arora, Sujayaraj Samuel Jayakumar, Geetha Bhavani A, Devanshu J. Patel, Debasmita Tripathy, Himanshu Makhija, Sharmishtha K. Garud.

Drafting - original draft: Mithhil Arora, Sujayaraj Samuel Jayakumar, Geetha Bhavani A, Devanshu J. Patel, Debasmita Tripathy, Himanshu Makhija, Sharmishtha K. Garud.

Writing - proofreading and editing: Mithhil Arora, Sujayaraj Samuel Jayakumar, Geetha Bhavani A, Devanshu J. Patel, Debasmita Tripathy, Himanshu Makhija, Sharmishtha K. Garud.