The World Health Organization (WHO) defines environment, as it relates to health, as all the physical, chemical and biological factors external to a person, and all the related behaviors. Environmental factors play a crucial role in a persons health and well-being, potentially more than genetics will.

The environment impacts our health in many ways including:

• Air pollution
• Inadequate water sanitation (hygiene)
• Chemicals and biological agents
• Radiation (ultraviolet and ionizing)
• Community noise
• Occupational risks
• Agricultural practices (pesticide use and waste-water reuse)
• Built environments (housing and roads)
• Climate change

It is vital that we as a society protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat so that we are able to survive in this world.