WHO Climate change: a health hazard
About one quarter of global disease is directly attributable to environmental factors
The warning from the World Health Organization is clear: about one quarter of global diseases are directly related to environmental factors. This fact calls for a profound reflection on our lifestyle and habits, and makes the need for an interdisciplinary approach to health protection ever more urgent.
First International Conference on Environmental Medicine
In this scenario, the first International Conference on Environmental Medicine, held in Chieti, represents a turning point. Organized by the University of Annunzio and the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, the initiative brought together scientists and researchers from all over the world to discuss environmental threats to human health, with a particular focus on genetic and epigenetic aspects.
From genetics to epigenetics: an indissoluble link
The concept of epigenetics, which studies heritable changes that do not alter DNA sequences, has opened up new perspectives in understanding the impact of the environment on health. Exposure to pollutants, radiation or stress can cause epigenetic changes that affect our health, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases.
The Chieti conference highlighted how the interaction between genetic and environmental factors is crucial in the development of many diseases. Researchers presented the results of innovative studies showing how the environment can “turn on” or “turn off” certain genes, thus influencing our predisposition to disease.
Environmental medicine
Environmental medicine aims to identify environmental risk factors and implement prevention and control strategies. The Chieti conference emphasised the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving not only doctors and researchers, but also policy-makers, administrators and citizens.
The priority actions identified at the conference include:
- Continuous monitoring of air, water and soil quality: to identify sources of pollution in a timely manner and take the necessary corrective measures
- Promoting healthy lifestyles: through proper nutrition, regular physical activity and reduced exposure to toxic substances
- The development of clean technologies: to reduce the environmental impact of production and transport activities
- Raising public awareness: so that each of us can become an active player in the protection of our health and the environment
Environmental pollution: an urgent health problem
The Chieti conference was an important opportunity for scientific comparison and updating. The results presented confirm the urgency of tackling pollution and climate change, which are among the biggest threats to human health. Investing in environmental medicine research means investing in our future and that of generations to come.
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