Recently, there’s been growing awareness of the role that diet and environmental factors play in our physical health. However, what if the very chemicals in our water and food system are not only contributing to issues, such as heart disease, but are also affecting our mental health? Increasingly, doctors and researchers are investigating how exposure to pesticides, additives and other chemicals in our food and water may be linked to rising rates of depression, anxiety and cardiovascular conditions. Understanding this connection could help address these widespread health issues—especially in industries like construction, where physical and mental health risks are already high.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 50 million people in the United States rely on groundwater for their drinking water, a source potentially contaminated by pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.

I was shocked to read on the National Institute of Health website that since 1974, 1.6 billion kilograms of glyphosate have been applied to our crops, including 280 million pounds just last year, according to the EPA. This contamination raises concerns about the long-term health effects on construction workers who may consume water from these sources, especially in rural areas, where groundwater is the primary source.

Legal Implications

The potential impact of environmental toxins on construction workers’ health has also been highlighted in recent legal actions. A federal judge in California ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must strengthen regulations for fluoride in drinking water, citing concerns about its potential impact on children’s brain development. This ruling underscores the importance of addressing the presence of potentially harmful substances in the environment and their potential consequences for workers’ health—not to mention the children who are the future workers in our industry.

I have many thoughts on this ruling but I’m curious to hear what our readers think about it too. Whether you feel strongly one way or another, let me know.

How Can We Stay Healthy?

From pesticides in our crops and water to unhealthy dyes and artificial additives, what can we do to stay healthy when our water and food is directly impacted on a daily basis?

I recently read a book called Good Energy by sister and brother author-duo Casey and Calley Means. Good Energy is a unifying framework for understanding what is causing symptoms and diseases, as well as how to feel amazing now and in the future.

The book centers on the same topic I’m talking about now. What if many health conditions, including depression, anxiety, heart disease and diabetes, all have the same root cause?

Preventing Health Conditions

Our ability to prevent these conditions in our employees and ourselves could be simpler than we think. As Dr. Casey Means explains, nearly every health problem we face can be explained by how well the cells in our body create and use energy.

So how can we do this and encourage our workers to do the same?

• Pay attention to the food we’re eating, its ingredients and where it’s coming from;
• Live an active lifestyle;
• Pay attention to our mental health;
• Watch our cold and heat exposure, and;
• Get the proper sleep required.

Having Healthy, Happy Employees

Let’s all do our part to ensure that our workers are leading healthier and happier lives. As an employer, how are you addressing these issues? What do you think about the fluoride ruling?

Email me at bloomj@bnpmedia.com to let me know.