Epidemiology is the study of prevalence in health- matters affecting a population and the risk abound to such health events. Electromagnetic radiation has almost become part of our everyday’s life (Perry). The environment we live in is filled with considerable levels of radiation all around exposing us to such health situations as childhood leukemia. This is a condition that affects the children and is categorized into acute (that develops rapidly) and chronic (develop slowly) leukemia (Perry). Childhood leukemia is the cancer of the blood that destroys the white blood cells.
These conditions prevalent to children exposed to prior radiation including chemotherapy to diagnose for other types of cancer (Perry). Direct or indirect exposure to radiation poses the risk of a child developing leukemia. Power lines passing over a residential area where kids spend their time playing exposes them to an overwhelming risk. Exposure to radiation leads to tissue damage through ionization as the body looses electrons to the electric environment. For the body to fully function, it requires these electrons. The accumulation of radiation in a child’s body may alter or deform the DNA pattern (Perry).
Prolonged exposure to radiation leads to the development of tumors, destruction of the mucus lining of the intestines, stomach irritation. Radiation is therefore the main start for leukemia. Leukemia as a cancer that destroys the white blood cells which are the defensive cells is a dangerous condition that leaves a child vulnerable and defenseless from other infections (Perry). Children leaving nearby high voltage power lines have exhibited symptoms associated to leukemia like alteration of the DNA make up by restraining its repair. Infants exposed to these radiations are more likely to suffer from this condition more often than not hence the government should put on a perimeter check on the distance that the public should keep away from the electric power lines to avert the dangers involved (Perry).
Noise pollution
The health effects of excessive noise exposure especially by aircraft are little known or heard of in by the vulnerable yet innocent public (Stansfeld and Matheson, 243-257). It has been established over the years that noise has a direct effect on the flow of blood hence altering blood pressure. More to this, noise changes other normal functioning of the body like sleeping and digestive patterns. High blood pressure caused by noise pollution activates coronary heart diseases as well as stroke (Stansfeld and Matheson, 243-257). Kids living near airports also have been found to exhibit high levels of blood pressure compared to their counterparts in other areas.
Rapid exposure to noise in children leads to impaired ability to understand and loss of memory. These are symptoms associated to high blood pressure as well as secretion of catecholamine. Catecholamines are hormones released in the blood when one is under physical or emotional stress (Stansfeld and Matheson, 243-257). Noise is a major cause of stress and is a nuisance environmental concern that has been responsible for secretion of the mentioned hormones in the blood. Other than the internal heath risks, noise pollution poses yet another challenge on the hearing ability in people exposed to the same.
People living near airports or in industrial regions where noise is rampant have been noted to develop hearing problems (Stansfeld and Matheson, 243-257). Noise pollution can increase blood pressure depending on the level and extent of the particular noise and the noise it’s self. Living near airports exposes people to excessive noise, which may cause damage to the hearing system or cause diseases through other effects like lack of sleep and stress, which are the effects of noise pollution.
Works Cited
Perry, Telka. “Power-line radiation and childhood leukemia: this cold case may finally be solved”. Spectrum.ieee. 2008. Web.
Stansfeld, Stephen and Mark Matheson. “Noise pollution: non-auditory effects on health.” British Medical Bulleting: Oxford journals. 68. 1 (2011): 243-257. Web.