Healthcare costs make up a large portion of spending in America. Yet, people remain unhealthy. There is reason to believe environmental factors cause much of that. People who live in communities with access to fresh, healthy food and clean air and water have better health outcomes than those who live in places without those assets. To better understand how the environment directly affects health, it is vital to first look at the significant sources of contamination affecting that environment.

Air Pollution

The air you breathe makes up a large part of your environment. Unfortunately, for many people, that air is not as clean as it could be. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 90% of the world's population breathes polluted air. It is responsible for nearly seven million deaths every year. In some cases, the polluted air is outdoors, but for many people, the air inside their homes is also toxic. Burning coal, dung and wood for cooking and heat can release fumes that irritate airways and contribute to cardio-respiratory illnesses. Besides household level contamination, much of the air pollution around the world is produced by a limited range of sources. These include:

• Transportation exhaust

• Smog from manufacturing facilities

• Smoke from fires 

One way to combat the effects of pollution is to increase antioxidants in your diet. They help slow down and minimize free radical damage caused by oxidation at the cellular level. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to do that, but many people simply do not consume the recommended levels of these on a regular basis. Adding a supplement like super reds is a simple and effective way to ensure you are getting sufficient antioxidants.

Contaminated Water

Water is involved in every biological process that goes on in the human body. After all, adults are — on average — more than 60% water by volume when properly hydrated. It is not a secret that water is essential to life and most people understand that and work toward ensuring proper fluid levels. What happens when that water is filled with harmful chemicals, heavy metals and dangerous microorganisms, though? The health implications of contaminated drinking water are profound. The nonprofit organization NRDC reports that water pollution sickens more than 1 billion people each year. Neurological and organ damage, as well as increased rates of certain types of cancers, are commonly attributed to contaminated drinking water.

You don't have to drink contaminated water for it to harm you, either. In communities around the world, people bathe and wash clothing in rivers and streams that harbor dangerous organisms. Schistosomiasis is one such disorder that is endemic in several parts of the world. Left untreated, it can lead to anemia and damage to internal organs if left untreated.

Toxic Chemicals

Many people think of toxic chemical exposure as something that happens at industrial facilities or waste sites, but the reality is much more alarming. There are potentially dangerous chemicals in many of the items that people use every single day. Chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides used in farming and effluent form manufacturing facilities can get into the water, air and food supply where they remain for many years. That leaves the opportunity for them to potentially cause illness for generations after the initial contamination occurs. They contribute to several health problems, most notably certain types of cancer.

Environmental contamination poses serious risks to public health. It is a global problem that exempts no one. However, pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities and developing nations. Increased access to safe, healthy foods and water, as well as clean air, can help lower rates of chronic disease and curb the impending healthcare crisis.