Person hiking over hills covered with moss with purple crocuses in bloom. The sun is shining through scattered clouds.

Environment and health

Climate change, air pollution, noise and harmful substances in clothing, foods and in the home all impact on the human body. This topic area provides information on how environmental factors affect health and what to do to protect yourself against potential risks.

First aid for poisoning

Urgent action is required if poisoning is suspected. This article explains the signs of poisoning and what first aid measures can be taken when it happens.

A woman has fallen asleep in bed with a smartphone in her hand.

Electromagnetic fields – is “electrosmog” harmful to health?

The term “electrosmog” is sometimes used to refer to electromagnetic fields, which some people fear may have a harmful effect on health. But is electrosmog really a health risk?

A young girl kneels in front of a shelf of cleaning agents and takes out a large bottle.

Household chemicals: identifying and avoiding potential risks

Laundry detergents, washing-up liquids and cleaning agents are made from various chemical substances. Find out the key considerations when dealing with these household chemicals.

A young girl in a pink dress sits on a sofa scratching her arm.

Are chemicals in clothing all safe?

Chemicals are needed to make clothing textiles. But can these substances affect people’s health?

In the background: a laboratory worker examines samples under a microscope. In the foreground: several tomatoes and a knife.

Safe food: a look at undesirable substances

Food can contain substances that are harmful to health. What are they, where are they found and how can people protect themselves?

A person wearing household gloves polishes the oven with a cloth.

Home hygiene: how clean should a home be?

A clean home is important to prevent health problems. Learn what you should pay attention to with home hygiene here.

Food preparation – a pan on a gas oven. Someone is holding the pan in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other.

Food hygiene – don’t give germs a chance

Food can contain germs that cause disease. However, most food-related infections can be avoided with simple hygiene measures.

Medical professionals in blue surgical attire, washing their hands and lower arms with disinfectant soap

Hospital hygiene – preventing infections in medical facilities

Hygiene in hospitals is important to provide protection against infectious diseases. Read more here about typical pathogens found in hospitals and about hygiene measures.

Zoonotic diseases: when humans and animals infect each other

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Known examples are rabies and Lyme disease (borreliosis).

A woman in water-resistant clothing and protective gloves takes a sample from a body of water.

Antibiotic resistance – what role is played by the environment?

When antibiotics enter the environment, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can evolve and spread. This article explains how this happens.

A young woman is at home looking at some tablets on the palm of her left hand, while she holds a glass of water in her right.

Antibiotic resistance – when medicine becomes powerless against bacteria

Bacteria can become insensitive to antibiotics – especially if these drugs are used incorrectly. Responsible use is essential to the fight against increasing antibiotic resistance.

Young woman covering her ears seen from behind. Urban environment with building sites and traffic out of focus in front of her.

Noise: health effects

This article explains how noise can affect health and what protective measures exist.

An open window. Trees and blue sky are visible in the background.

Air quality indoors: why ventilation is important

This article explains how household pollutants can get into the air, what the consequences can be and how you can protect yourself.

Close-up of cars in traffic jam with clouds of exhaust gas.

How air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Air pollution can not only trigger respiratory diseases, it is also a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Older woman in a summer blouse with her hand on her breast. She is straining and turning round to a younger woman holding a bottle of water in her hand.

Hot weather: protecting older people and people in need of care

Heatwaves can cause serious health problems in older people and people in need of care in particular. Precautions can be taken that significantly reduce the risk.

Woman in a top leaning back exhausted, fanning herself.

Hot weather: risks and preventive measures

Heatwaves can cause health problems. This article explains who is particularly at risk and some easy ways to reduce the risk.

Woman in a tee shirt sneezing into a handkerchief. Flowers in bloom are visible in the background.

Climate change and pollen: why allergies are on the increase

Studies indicate an increase in allergic respiratory diseases due to climate change. The principal reason is the increase in the pollen count. Read more how allergies are connected to climate change.

Blue sky obscured by white cloud with the sun shining behind it.

Ozone: both protective shield and irritant gas

The ozone layer in the stratosphere shields the earth from UV radiation. However ground-level ozone can damage health.

Infant sitting on a beach having cream rubbed into its back.

UV radiation: why it’s important to protect skin and eyes

Exposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause lasting damage to the skin and eyes. It is the primary risk factor for skin cancer.

Exotic infectious diseases: close-up of hands and arms of two people wearing tee shirts against a background that looks like a park. One person is holding the other’s arm and spraying mosquito repellent on to it.

Climate change: exotic infectious diseases in Germany?

Climate change can affect the spread of mosquitoes and ticks and the pathogens they transmit. What pathogens are involved and what can be done to protect against them?