Human Health and Environmental Interactions (Impacts of Pollution on Public Health, Effects of PFAS, Microplastics and Human Health, Fate of Contaminants in the Food Chain, etc.)

Human health and environmental interactions have become an increasingly significant field of research in the modern world. The rapid rise in environmental pollutants, particularly persistent contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS chemicals, poses severe threats to human health and presents potential risks to public well-being. The management of nanoplastics in freshwater sources has become a critical necessity due to their size and interactions with biological materials. The World Health Organization reports that pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths annually, while the infiltration of microplastics into the food chain adds further complexity to their impacts on health.

At Hacettepe University, we conduct extensive research to understand the effects of environmental pollutants on human health. Our studies investigate the levels, degradation mechanisms, and health impacts of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, PFAS, microplastics, and nanoplastics in various environmental settings. We also examine the fate of contaminants in the food chain and their biological effects.

Furthermore, we focus on assessing the pollution potential of industrial wastes and developing stabilization and solidification processes for pollutant components. Particulate matter, one of the most critical air pollutants for health, is analyzed in terms of its particle count, indoor and outdoor levels, and chemical composition to understand its effects on health. Air pollutants are known to trigger respiratory diseases, and we conduct epidemiological studies to examine the relationship between air pollutant concentrations, meteorological parameters, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Additionally, the effects of preventive measures taken during epidemic periods on air pollution are evaluated at regional, national, and global scales.

These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: "Good Health and Well-being" and Goal 12: "Responsible Consumption and Production," contributing to the protection of human health and the maintenance of environmental balance.