The rapid industrialization, accompanied by the use of imperfect production technologies and insufficient environmental protection measures, is a significant factor in the deterioration of public health. Numerous scientific studies indicate environmental pollution by heavy metals in various parts of the world, leading to increased morbidity rates among the population [1, 2, 3, 4]. In Ukraine, industrial enterprises annually emit over 10 million tons of toxic chemical compounds into the atmosphere, and the war initiated by Russia has significantly worsened the environmental situation.
Before the war, elevated levels of lead, cadmium, copper, and manganese were recorded in the soils of Ivano-Frankivsk region. Excessive concentrations of heavy metals in the soil lead to their accumulation in food products, water sources, and atmospheric air, adversely affecting human health.
Studies confirm a significant contribution of emissions from thermal power plants to environmental pollution, deteriorating the sanitary condition of water resources, soil, and air. The most hazardous pollutants include lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel oxide, chromium, mercury, and other chemical compounds. Constant exposure to these substances poses a serious medical and environmental problem, significantly increasing the risk of diseases among the population, especially in industrial areas.
Residents of regions with technogenic pollution belong to the risk group for developing diseases of the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, and hematopoietic systems. Heavy metals affect homeostasis, disrupt cellular processes, suppress immune system responses, and reduce overall resistance of the body [1, 3].
The accumulation of toxic metals in children's bodies is particularly dangerous, as their adaptive and protective mechanisms are not yet fully developed. Children are significantly more sensitive to harmful factors, increasing their risk of developing chronic diseases. Research confirms that regions with high environmental pollution levels exhibit increased dental morbidity among the pediatric population [2, 7, 8].
Environmental pollution significantly impacts periodontal health in both adults and children. High concentrations of heavy metals in soil and water lead to their accumulation in the human body, manifesting through destructive processes in the oral mucosa. In addition to the impact of heavy metals, the dental health of the region's population is worsened by insufficient levels of fluoride and iodine in natural water sources. The fluoride content in Ivano-Frankivsk drinking water is 0.2–0.7 mg/L (compared to the standard of 0.8–1.2 mg/L), and iodine content is 0.006 mg/dm³ (compared to the standard of 0.1–2.5 mg/dm³). The deficiency of these elements, combined with the toxic effects of heavy metals, significantly increases the risk of dental diseases in the region [5, 6].
To assess the prevalence of dental diseases, we examined over 4,900 individuals of various ages living in Prykarpattia (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast), particularly in environmentally polluted areas. The examination revealed that the prevalence of dental diseases ranged from 82.2% to 94.3%. Periodontal diseases were diagnosed in 35.3% to 78.3% of children and adolescents, with a high incidence of orthodontic pathology (31.4%–43.7%). In children, dental caries progressed rapidly, often appearing as multiple carious lesions and combinations of several types of pathology. Among children of different ages, a significant portion (63.7% of all children diagnosed with caries) exhibited a tendency for an acute course of the carious process.
Based on the obtained data, we believe that the development of preventive schemes should be differentiated, taking into account the geochemical characteristics of each area and region, as well as the influence of adverse environmental factors.
Environmental pollution by heavy metals is a serious ecological and medical problem that negatively affects public health, especially among children. The accumulation of toxic metals in the environment contributes to the development of dental diseases, caries, and disorders of the oral mucosa.
Effective measures must be implemented to reduce the impact of heavy metals on human health, including pollution monitoring, ecological programs aimed at reducing industrial emissions, and improving drinking water quality. It is also essential to develop preventive programs to reduce dental morbidity, particularly by adjusting dietary intake and ensuring adequate fluoride and iodine levels in drinking water.
References:
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2. Моісеєнко РО, Дудіна ОО, Гойда НГ. Аналіз стану захворюваності та поширеності захворювань у дітей в Україні за період 2011-2015 роки. Сучасна педіатрія, 2017; 2(82): 17-27.
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6. Popovych, Z., Rozhko, M., Ostapyak, I., Oktysyuk, Y. Biochemical indexes of mineral metabolismin patients from the polluted regionaffected by chronic periodontitis. (2020) Pharmacia, 67 (1), pp. 23-28. https://doi.org/10.3897/PHARMACIA.67.E36150
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