American Exclusives (For the Most Part)
The United States has plenty of health concerns that are especially common because of its food, environment, infrastructure, workplaces, and lifestyle. Of course, Americans aren't literally the only people in the world who can encounter these hazards, but some risks are particularly associated with living in the U.S. From extreme weather and certain wildlife to food habits and everyday environmental exposures, there's a surprisingly long list of things worth keeping in mind.
1. Extreme Summer Heat
Heat waves are becoming a serious health concern across many parts of the United States, particularly during the summer months. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people without reliable air conditioning are the ones most at risk.
2. Tornadoes
The U.S. sees more tornadoes annually than any other country. These rotating columns of air can touch down suddenly and cause injuries from flying debris, falling structures, and broken glass. Understanding local guidelines for safe shelter can help before tornado season strikes your area.
3. Hurricane Flooding
Hurricane-force winds aren’t the only threat along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Storm surge and flooding can lead to contaminated water, property damage, and even injury or death if people drive through flooded roads. Even after a storm passes, standing water and damaged electrical systems can create additional hazards.
4. Wildfire Smoke
If you live in or visit America during wildfire season, smoke can drift hundreds of miles and affect air quality. Small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and make existing problems like asthma worse. You don't necessarily need to see flames from your home for wildfire smoke to affect the air you're breathing.
5. Carbon Monoxide From Home Heating
Fuel-burning appliances produce carbon monoxide regardless of where you live. The gas is colorless and odorless, which means you can't rely on your senses to detect it. Properly maintained equipment and working carbon monoxide detectors can provide important protection, particularly during the colder months.
6. Recreational Lake Dangers
The United States is home to a lot of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that provide ample opportunity for swimming and boating. Sudden changes in weather, strong currents, cold water, and underwater obstacles can all cause problems. Drinking around boats and swimming areas can also increase the danger by impairing judgment and coordination.
7. Tick-Borne Diseases
Dense tick populations occupy many regions of the United States and can spread several diseases to humans. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses are possible if you spend time hiking, gardening, or walking through tall grass and bushes. Checking yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors is a good habit to get into.
8. West Nile Virus
Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus throughout the continental United States. While only a few people develop serious symptoms like neurological illness, many Americans are infected annually. Controlling mosquitoes and avoiding bites may be more important when the weather turns warm.
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9. Foodborne Illness From Undercooked Meat
America loves meat, so properly cooking and handling it is important. Eating undercooked poultry, ground meat, and seafood can increase your risk of foodborne illness if harmful bacteria are present. Cooking to proper temperatures and preventing cross-contamination are key.
10. Excessive Added Sugar
Sugar lurks in more American food than you might suspect, particularly sweet snacks, soda, and desserts. Eating too much sugar over time is linked with increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Learn to recognize added sugars on nutrition labels.
11. Oversized Food Portions
Restaurant servings can be much larger than you might expect from the listed calories on a packaged food. Eating more calories than your body needs will likely cause you to gain weight over time. Researching the recommended serving size won’t stop you from enjoying your favorite restaurant.
12. Distracted Driving
Americans drive more miles than citizens of most other countries. When you’re behind the wheel, distractions can have disastrous consequences. Looking at your phone, texting, watching videos, eating, or adjusting the navigation can lead to vehicle crashes.
13. Backyard Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are common across the United States, particularly in warmer parts of the country, but they come with some easily overlooked health risks. Drowning is the most serious concern, while slips, falls, and exposure to improperly maintained pool water can cause additional problems. Proper supervision, secure pool barriers, and regular water maintenance can make all the difference.
14. Extreme Cold
Summer isn’t the only season that Americans need to watch out for. Extreme cold and winter weather also cause issues each year. Exposure to cold temperatures can increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Ice and snow aren’t fun, either.
15. Radon in Homes
Radon gas can make its way into American homes from the ground. It can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled, but elevated exposure can increase lung cancer risks. The only way to know for sure is by testing your home.
16. Carbon Monoxide From Generators
Portable generators can help Americans through power outages, but they can also produce carbon monoxide. Operating a generator inside a garage, basement, or other poorly ventilated structure is dangerous. Keeping generators outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and vents is essential.
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17. Poisonous Plants
Hikers, gardeners, and outdoor adventurers may stumble across poisonous plants. Poison ivy is only one of a few plants that cause itchy skin rashes after contact with its oils. Learning how to identify poisonous plants can help you enjoy nature rather than itching to get back inside.
18. Venomous Snakes
A few venomous snakes call America home, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. Snakes won’t come out of nowhere to attack you, but give one plenty of space if you spot it while outdoors. Not all venomous snakes will rattle before striking.
19. Air Pollution in Major Cities
Air quality remains an occasional problem for some Americans, particularly in larger cities. High ozone and particulate days can affect healthy people, but anyone with asthma or heart disease should take care when reading air-quality reports.
20. The Health Effects of Sitting All Day
Americans spend a lot of time sitting every day, much of it at work. Too much sedentary time has been linked to negative health effects. Sitting for hours on end isn’t ideal, so try taking walking breaks when possible to avoid too much sitting.
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