Environmental Chemicals and The Ailing Brain
It is good to note that the universe is what we make it. My recent visit to a village further proves that if humans agree and keep to Environmental laws, there will be a next to no environmental issue. But this is not the case, as people flaunt government laws in the name of civilization, modernization, and all sorts, at will.
The environment is a result of GIGO, i.e., Garbage In-Garbage Out. This means that we get from our environment whatever we give to it. Understanding this helps reshape human thinking, and perhaps influences how we behave, especially as it relates to environmental matters.
The Environment and Its Vitality
The environment is vital to human survival as it houses everything we need to live. Both the unseen resources and the abstract yet vital phenomena form the environment.
Man’s action and inaction pose threats to the environment. Our activities, when not healthy, result in a toxic environment that is hazardous to residents.
The environment has suffered a rapid change in recent times, especially in the past few decades. And this has resulted in a more toxic environment, a degraded one which is of low water and air quality.
The Brain and Its Uniqueness
Though the typical setting of the environment remains, degradation continues, and this affects not just plants and animals, but the human brain.
The brain is the seat of intelligence, and it coordinates reasoning, sensation, and other nerve based activities. Therefore, we cannot overemphasize the importance of the brain.
The brain interprets information from the environment and embodies the essence of both the mind and the soul. And it receives information through our five senses, i.e., smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing. It also assembles and stores messages in a way that makes meaning.
Chemical Introductions versus The Human Brain
Chemicals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, fluoride, and dioxin-like compounds are damaging to the human brain. Several studies have shown that the impact of environmental chemicals is reasonably harmful to the proper growth, development, and functioning of the brain. Many of these chemicals lead to mental disorders in children and even adults.
An age-long problem
Brain ailing has been in existence for a long time. Though it is sad, it is our reality. And this is because we do not embrace behaviors that change the narratives. Instead, we operate in dimensions that aid the ailing of the brain and hinder its functionality.
The first impact of toxins on the developing brain came as an aftermath of environmental disasters. Also, in the early 1900s, the lead poisoning epidemic from paint in Queensland, Australia, resulted in the death of many children. Others suffered paralysis of the lower limbs, frank anemia, and blindness.
In a similar incident of mercury poisoning in a Japanese fishing village, mothers gave birth to children with mental retardation and severe motor dysfunction.
All these show that environmental chemicals can adversely hamper brain development.
Lead, mercury, arsenic, and others regularly introduced to the environment are infamous as neuro toxic chemicals.
Exposing humans to these chemicals might be linked to an increased risk of neuro developmental disorders. In children, they result in strange occurrences such as congenital anomalies, and even the adults are not spared. One would wonder how possible it is for a gift from the creator could malfunction and gradually become useless. A brain that ought to be an asset, but short of its duty, is nothing but a liability.
Yet we can blame no one. The bulk of the adjustment lies within our power. And until we embrace that, the brain will keep ailing. According to Leo Tolstoy, “One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” And that is true because anything short of this won’t allow the pursuance of optimal health.
Preventing The Adverse Effects of Environmental Chemicals on The Brain
I. The first step in ensuring that the environment is free from toxic materials is accepting responsibilities. Waiting for an individual or government to fix environmental problems is nothing but a waste of time.
ii. As much as possible, learn how to reduce environmental chemicals that damage health. Elimination by substitution is vital in achieving this.
iii. Remember that it is our collective responsibility to protect the human brain. If you think it’s not your business, I will like to tell you that when the effects come, you might not be spared.
It is, therefore, appropriate to conclude with this: “The earth is what we all have in common.” — Wendell Berry. We must cherish it, till it and do everything possible to inhabit it.
