POLLUTION AND HEALTH

  Women’s Reproductive Health: Avoiding Harmful Substances in Toiletries and Personal Cosmetics to Prevent Cancer Introduction Women’s reproductive health is shaped by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. Among these, chemical exposures from toiletries and personal cosmetics represent an overlooked yet significant public health challenge. Daily products such as lotions, soaps, deodorants, perfumes, hair products, powders, and makeup often contain compounds with known carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting properties . These substances are absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested inadvertently, leading to chronic exposures that may increase the risk of reproductive cancers including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer . The cosmetic industry is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars globally, yet regulation remains weak in many regions, allowing potentially harmful substances to reach consumers without compr...

  Persistence of Aflatoxins in the Domestic Surrounding: An Academic and Policy Perspective Introduction Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins produced predominantly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus . Their impact on food safety, human health, and livelihoods is well documented in agricultural and economic literature. However, less attention is paid to their persistence in the domestic environment —spaces where families store food, prepare meals, and raise children. Once introduced into households, aflatoxins may remain for extended periods in dust, storage containers, and food residues, creating a continuous cycle of exposure. This dimension of aflatoxin contamination is critical for both public health and policy, as it links food systems to the household ecology of disease. Persistence Mechanisms in Domestic Surroundings Aflatoxins are remarkably stable molecules due to their difuranocoumarin structure, making them resistant to c...

  Ageing in Women: Addressing Muscular Atrophy  to Prevent Accidents: An Expanded Academic Policy Paper Muscular atrophy in ageing women is a progressive and preventable contributor to functional decline, falls, and injury-related mortality. It is influenced by hormonal changes, nutritional inadequacies, and reduced physical activity, compounded by socio-economic and environmental barriers. This paper critically examines the underlying mechanisms of muscle loss in older women, its epidemiological link to accidents, and proposes multi-sectoral policy frameworks to mitigate associated risks. Emphasis is placed on integrating muscular health into public health planning, improving preventive screening, and creating age-friendly environments. 1. Introduction The demographic shift towards an older global population disproportionately affects women, who live longer but often with more years spent in ill health. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2022),...

  Tobacco and its Impacts on Plant and Animal Populations and Species Diversity – An Academic Policy Perspective Tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) cultivation, while economically important for many rural communities, is associated with severe environmental consequences. Beyond the public health crisis linked to tobacco consumption, its agricultural production has profound impacts on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. Intensive monoculture systems, heavy agrochemical use, deforestation for curing, and land conversion for planting lead to declines in plant and animal species diversity, disrupt ecological processes, and contribute to habitat degradation. This paper examines these impacts through ecological, agricultural, and socio-economic lenses, with a particular focus on African tobacco-growing regions, and proposes evidence-based policy measures to mitigate biodiversity loss while supporting sustainable livelihoods. 1. Introduction Globally, tobacco is grown in over 120 countri...

  Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Cultural Rituals and Religious Activities: Long-Term Impacts on Addiction and Abuse – An Academic Policy Perspective Tobacco and alcohol have deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance across societies, embedded in ceremonies, rites of passage, and religious observances. While often symbolic, ritual use may contribute to the normalization of these substances, early-age exposure, and eventual patterns of addiction and abuse. This paper examines their role in cultural and religious contexts, outlines public health consequences, and proposes culturally sensitive policy strategies to mitigate harm without eroding heritage. Evidence from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe illustrates both the resilience of traditions and the health risks they may pose. 1. Introduction Across diverse civilizations, tobacco and alcohol occupy prominent spaces in spiritual and communal life. Sacred tobacco pipes in Native American peace rituals, palm wine in ...

  Disposal of Medical Waste and the Health of Women: An Urgent Public Health and Policy Perspective The unsafe disposal of medical waste is a critical public health issue with gendered dimensions, disproportionately affecting women through direct and indirect exposures. This paper explores how improper medical waste management endangers women's health—biologically, occupationally, and socially. It provides a detailed analysis of waste categories, exposure pathways, and systemic governance failures that exacerbate the problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Policy recommendations emphasize gender-responsive waste management systems, capacity building, occupational protection, and inclusive governance as essential to safeguarding women’s health. 1. Introduction The global expansion of healthcare services has led to a corresponding increase in medical waste generation. However, healthcare waste management infrastructure has not kept pace, particularly in L...