The influence of environmental factors on the health of the population of the Aktobe region

• Published in: Integrated environmental assessment and management 2024-07, Vol.20 (4), p.1156-1165
• Main Authors: Moldayazova, Lyazzat, Zhapalakov, Baser, Shagatayeva, Bibigul, Kuatbaeva, Aynagul, Baspakova, Akmaral
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - analysis; Air pollution; Air Pollution - statistics & numerical data; Air quality; Anthropogenic factors; Atmospheric pollution; Body temperature; Chromium; Environmental Exposure - statistics & numerical data; Environmental factors; Environmental impact; Environmental Monitoring; Epidemiology; Heat exchange; Heavy metals; Humans; Humidity; Hypothermia; Industrial areas; Kazakhstan; Meteorological factors; Meteorological services; Morbidity; Nickel; Outdoor air quality; Overheating; Population studies; Public health; Temperature; Wind
• ISSN: 1551-3777; 1551-3793; 1551-3793
• DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4862

This study investigates the impact of environmental factors on human health, including harmful substances, extreme temperatures, and air quality. The health status of the population in regions where many industries operate also depends on meteorological factors. The purpose of the study is to characterize and determine the influence of environmental factors (humidity, temperature, wind) and industries, including metal mining and processing regions, on the health of people in the Aktobe region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The study used general theoretical methods to analyze and systematize the results of the meteorological service of the Aktobe region and the experiments conducted by the branch of the National Centre of Expertise of the Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Aktobe region in 2020 and 2021. Statistical data on the amount of chromium, lead, and nickel in the blood, and the morbidity rate of the population were analyzed. The study's findings indicate that residents in the Aktobe region experience hypothermia during winter at temperatures between −12 °C and −15 °C and humidity of 81%, and in summer overheating occurs at temperatures between +19.6 °C and +22.5 °C with humidity of 77%. These extreme temperature conditions disrupt the body's heat exchange with the environment, affecting the respiratory and circulatory systems. Moreover, the predominantly windless conditions in the region affect the atmosphere's self‐cleaning ability, resulting in high levels of air pollution throughout the year. The findings can inform strategies to improve public health and prevent diseases in industrial regions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1156–1165. © 2023 SETAC Key Points The study emphasizes the significant relationship between environmental conditions and human health, advocating thorough research into how different environmental factors affect people's health. A critical insight from the research is the effect of natural conditions on health, where extreme cold and heat paired with high humidity levels significantly impair the body's thermoregulation, leading to hypothermia or overheating. Environmental improvements and human health protections are integral to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future and should be a focal point of national policy and public health objectives.