ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND ITS HEALTH IMPACTS ON THE COMMUNITY THE CITY OF NAJAF AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Environmental pollution is considered one of the most prominent challenges facing modern societies due to its significant impacts on both human health and the environment. Environmental pollution includes air, water, and soil contamination, in addition to the accumulation of solid and liquid waste and industrial by-products, which leads to a wide range of health and environmental problems. Studies indicate that continuous exposure to environmental pollutants increases the likelihood of respiratory, dermatological, and gastrointestinal diseases, and negatively affects quality of life and public health .The city of Najaf, like other Iraqi cities, is exposed to varying levels of environmental pollution as a result of diverse industrial activities, the high density of vehicles, and the use of electrical generators, in addition to the lack of adequate infrastructure for waste management and sewage systems. These combined factors have contributed to an increased prevalence of environment-related diseases among the population, particularly among children and the elderly, making the study of the current state of environmental pollution and the analysis of its impact on health an urgent necessity to understand the magnitude of the problem and its consequences.Furthermore, environmental pollution in Najaf is not limited to a single aspect; rather, it involves interactions among air, water, soil, and waste, which complicates control efforts and increases the importance of field studies to assess the actual conditions on the ground. The field study in the study area reveals a lack of effective pollution management and proper waste management,contributing to the deterioration of the population's health and an increase in health problems. Therefore, studying environmental phenomena and assessing their health impacts is a crucial step in understanding the challenges facing the population in Najaf. This study also aims to establish a scientific framework for implementing measures to mitigate the effects of pollution on public health and the environment. The research comprises four sections: the first addresses the scientific methodology of the research; the second examines the theoretical aspects of environmental pollution in the study area; the third focuses on the practical aspects; and the fourth presents the most significant solutions and scientific conclusions reached by the researcher through the field study.