Considerations for Choosing a Place to Live

When it comes to choosing where to live, we often consider factors like the cost of living, job opportunities, schools, and cultural offerings. Yet, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is the area's environmental health. This is not just about the presence of green spaces or beautiful landscapes; it's also about the quality of the air we breathe, the soil that grows our food, and the water we drink.

Environmental health significantly impacts our well-being, and in recent years, the conversation about environmental toxins has intensified. Pollutants in our surroundings—whether in the air, soil, or water—can contribute to a range of health issues, from respiratory illnesses to cancers and developmental problems in children.

This blog post will take you through the critical elements of understanding environmental toxins. We'll discuss the importance of knowing the quality of your environment and exploring the impact of toxins in the air, soil, and water. We will also provide you with tools and strategies to assess and improve environmental health, helping you make an informed decision about your living circumstances.

Whether you are planning a move or wondering about the safety of your current living environment, this guide will offer valuable insights. So, let's dive in and unpack these important issues!

The Different Types of Environmental Toxins

Environmental toxins come in many forms and can be present in various aspects of our surroundings. For the purposes of this article, we'll focus on three primary areas: air, soil, and water. Each of these can harbor specific types of pollutants that have the potential to harm our health; pollution of air, water, and soil is responsible for at least 9 million deaths each year. More than 60% of pollution-related deaths are due to cardiovascular disease.^[1]

Air pollutants often result from industrial processes, vehicle emissions, burning of fossil fuels, and even household activities like cooking and heating. Common air pollutants include particulate matter (tiny particles suspended in the air), ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues and other health problems.^[2]

Soil pollutants typically arise from industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, improper waste disposal, and oil spills. They can include heavy metals like lead and mercury, organic compounds such as pesticides, and other hazardous chemicals.^[3] Contaminated soil can affect our food and lead to direct exposure through skin contact or inhalation of dust particles.

Water pollutants can stem from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, sewage, and other waste products. These pollutants range from harmful bacteria and viruses to chemical contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues.^[4] Drinking or bathing in polluted water can lead to a host of health concerns.

Understanding these different types of environmental toxins is the first step in assessing and improving the environmental health of your living space. But how do these toxins impact our health, and what can we do about them? Let's explore each of these areas in more detail.

Air Quality

Air quality has a direct impact on our health. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.2 million premature deaths globally are linked to ambient (outside) air pollution.^[5] Most of these deaths occur due to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma.

Common air pollutants include particulate matter (PM), ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.^[2] These can come from various sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plants, factories, and even seemingly harmless household activities like cooking or heating wood.

Particulate Matter (PM): These are tiny particles suspended in the air, often so small that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs. PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) are of particular concern due to their ability to penetrate deep into our respiratory system and potentially enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer.^[6]

Ozone: This is a gas that forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. High levels of ozone can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.^[7]

Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide: These gases are mainly produced by burning fossil fuels. They can cause respiratory problems, particularly in sensitive populations like children and the elderly.^[8]

To assess air quality in your area, you can use online resources like the Air Quality Index (AQI), provided by the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S., or the World Air Quality Index for global locations.

There are also steps you can take to improve air quality at home. These include using air purifiers, keeping windows closed on high-pollution days, limiting the use of fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, and using less toxic cleaning products.

Soil Quality

Soil quality matters. It plays a vital role in our ecosystem, from supporting plant growth and maintaining water quality to acting as a habitat for countless organisms. However, soil can become contaminated by a range of pollutants, potentially leading to health risks for humans and wildlife.^[3]

Common soil pollutants include heavy metals like lead and arsenic, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and various industrial chemicals. These can come from industrial waste, agricultural activities, improper waste disposal, and even natural geological processes.^[3]

Ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of soil dust particles can lead to exposure to these pollutants. Moreover, soil contamination can also affect our food supply, as plants may absorb these toxins and pass them up the food chain.^[9] This is of particular concern for home gardeners who may unwittingly be growing their food in contaminated soil.

To assess the quality of soil in your area, you can conduct a soil test. Various at-home kits are available for purchase, or you can use a professional soil testing service. These tests can reveal not only nutrient content but also the presence of harmful contaminants.

To prevent soil pollution, be mindful of the chemicals you use in your garden or lawn, properly dispose of hazardous materials, and consider composting to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Additionally, the practice of planting certain types of plants, known as phytoremediation, can help remove certain pollutants from the soil.

Water Quality

Water is the essence of life. It's an indispensable resource, yet according to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services.^[10] This lack of access, combined with the pollution of freshwater resources and contamination of our “potable” tap water, poses significant health risks.

Water pollution can come from a variety of sources. Agricultural runoff can introduce harmful pesticides and fertilizers into our waterways.^[11] Industrial waste can discharge heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Sewage and waste can bring harmful bacteria and viruses, and even pharmaceuticals can end up in our water through improper disposal.^[12]

Drinking or bathing in polluted water can lead to a range of health problems. Contaminants like lead and mercury can have neurotoxic effects, especially in children.^[13] Bacteria and viruses can cause diseases like cholera and typhoid, while long-term exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.^[14]

To assess water quality in your area, look at the annual water quality report provided by your local water utility if you're on a public water system. If you're using well water, it's essential to get your water tested regularly, as it could be susceptible to a variety of contaminants.

At home, you can improve water quality by using water filters that remove specific contaminants. Remember to change filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, proper disposal of medications and household chemicals can help reduce water pollution for the whole community.

While we often think of water quality in terms of our drinking water, it's also important to consider the health of natural bodies of water. Lakes, rivers, and oceans serve as critical habitats for wildlife, and they also play essential roles in human communities, providing resources for recreation, transportation, and in some cases, drinking water.

However, many of these natural bodies of water have become contaminated over time due to various human activities. Pollution can stem from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage, and even airborne pollutants that settle on the water surface.^[11] This contamination can harm local ecosystems and also pose risks to human health.

A striking example of this is the Great Salt Lake in Utah. In recent times, the lake has shrunk significantly, with levels hitting historic lows. This decline has exposed around 800 square miles of lakebed. The problem? This soil holds centuries worth of natural and manmade toxins like mercury, arsenic, and selenium. As the lake disappears, these toxins can potentially become airborne, posing a risk to the lungs of more than 2.5 million people.^[15]

The plight of the Great Salt Lake is not an isolated incident. Worldwide, bodies of water are facing similar threats. The Aral Sea in Central Asia, once the fourth largest lake in the world, has almost entirely disappeared due to water mismanagement, leaving behind a toxic dust bowl.^[16] Closer to home, harmful algal blooms, fueled by nutrient pollution, frequently cause closures of lakes and beaches in the U.S.

When choosing a home, environmental health should be top of mind. Are you considering a beach town or a lakefront property? Be aware that beautiful natural bodies of water may harbor hidden pollution. Is the local government actively working towards sustainable water management and pollution control? These factors directly affect your quality of life and health.

Choosing to live in an area committed to preserving its water resources not only benefits you but contributes to broader efforts of environmental conservation. Remember, your home choice is about joining a community, and its environmental health is as significant as the house you select.

Making the Right Living Decision

Environmental health plays a significant role in our overall well-being and is an essential factor to consider when deciding where to live. Understanding the potential impacts of environmental toxins in your prospective home's air, soil, and water is key to making an informed decision.

Use the tools and strategies mentioned in this article to assess the environmental health of a potential living area. Look at local air and water quality reports, consider soil testing, especially if you plan to grow your own food. Pay attention to any known environmental issues in the area such as industrial pollution or problems with local bodies of water.

Keep in mind that while it's impossible to avoid all exposure to environmental toxins completely, the goal is to reduce and manage risk as much as possible. Choosing a home with good air, soil, and water quality can go a long way in promoting the health and well-being of your family.

Additionally, think about the community's commitment to environmental health. Is there a strong local movement towards green initiatives? Does the local government enforce regulations that limit pollution? These factors can not only influence the current environmental health of the area but also determine how it will change in the future.

Making a home choice isn't just about the property itself - it's also about the broader environment and community. Prioritizing environmental health in this decision can contribute to a better quality of life and a healthier future.

Summary

Choosing where to live is one of the most significant decisions you can make, and it should involve a thorough assessment of the environmental health of the area. From the air you breathe, the ground you walk on, to the water you drink—these all have lasting impacts on your well-being.

Remember, environmental toxins—whether they're in the air, soil, or water—are often silent. They may not cause immediate symptoms, but prolonged exposure can lead to severe health conditions. Therefore, understanding their presence in your potential new home environment is critical.

In a world where pollution is unfortunately common, being informed about environmental health can help you make the best decision for yourself and your family. After all, a house is more than a physical structure—it’s an investment in your health and future.

By choosing a home in a region that prioritizes environmental health and sustainability, you're not only providing a safe space for your family but also contributing to a larger, collective effort to protect our planet. In the end, we all share this world, and every small step toward a healthier environment counts.

1. Münzel, Thomas et al. “Soil and water pollution and human health: what should cardiologists worry about?.” Cardiovascular research vol. 119,2 (2023): 440-449. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvac082
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3. Alengebawy, Ahmed et al. “Heavy Metals and Pesticides Toxicity in Agricultural Soil and Plants: Ecological Risks and Human Health Implications.” Toxics vol. 9,3 42. 25 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3390/toxics9030042
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5. Ambient (outdoor) air pollution. 19 December 2022.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
6. Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/pmq_a.htm 
7. Air Pollution, 17 Jan. 2023, aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/air-pollution-smog-asthma. Accessed 21 June 2023. 
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9. Lebelo, Kgomotso et al. “Chemical Contamination Pathways and the Food Safety Implications along the Various Stages of Food Production: A Review.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,11 5795. 28 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18115795
10. “Drinking-Water.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water.
11. Protecting Water Quality from Agricultural Runnoff - U.S. Environmental ..., www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/ag_runoff_fact_sheet.pdf. 
12. “Pharmaceuticals Lurking in U.S. Drinking Water.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pharmaceuticals-lurking-u-s-drinking-water-flna1c9461352. 
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14. Bassil, K L et al. “Cancer health effects of pesticides: systematic review.” Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien vol. 53,10 (2007): 1704-11.
15. Flavelle, Christopher, and Bryan Tarnowski. “As the Great Salt Lake Dries up, Utah Faces an ‘Environmental Nuclear Bomb.’” The New York Times, 7 June 2022, www.nytimes.com/2022/06/07/climate/salt-lake-city-climate-disaster.html
16. https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/dry-tears-aral