Man-made diseases

Illness induced by human intervention
Anthropogenic diseases
Inadequate knowledge and reporting of man-made diseases

Nature

Man-made diseases, also known as anthropogenic diseases, are illnesses resulting from human activities, such as industrial pollution, poor sanitation, unhealthy lifestyles, or the misuse of chemicals and drugs. These diseases include respiratory disorders from air pollution, cancers linked to toxic exposures, and antibiotic-resistant infections caused by overuse of medications. Man-made diseases pose a significant global health problem, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. They highlight the urgent need for improved environmental policies, public health interventions, and responsible technological development to mitigate their impact and protect human well-being.

Background

The global significance of man-made diseases emerged in the 20th century, as industrialization, urbanization, and chemical innovation led to rising incidences of illnesses directly linked to human activity. Landmark events, such as the Minamata mercury poisoning in Japan and the Bhopal gas tragedy in India, heightened international awareness. Over time, epidemiological studies and public health investigations have increasingly traced patterns of chronic and acute diseases to environmental pollutants, occupational hazards, and lifestyle changes induced by modernization.

Incidence

Man-made diseases may result from biological weapons in several ways; a disease which is normally initiated by, say, the bite of an infected mosquito, may manifest itself quite differently when caused by inhalation of the pathogen; the natural defences of man towards respiratory infection can be impaired by exposure to lung irritant chemicals, so that the dissemination of a mixed chemical-biological aerosol might lead to signs and symptoms not normally associated with the pathogen used; and confusion may result from simultaneous infection by two or more different pathogens, which may in addition have a synergetic effect upon one another. In addition, new fears arise from the increasing arsenal of genetic engineering techniques which breed strains of well-known pathogens that have increased antibiotic resistance or altered biochemical and immunological characteristics that could ultimately lead to a strain of pathogen so different from its parent that it would be classified as a new disease agent.

Claim

Man-made diseases are a critical and urgent problem that cannot be ignored. Our reckless actions—polluting the environment, overusing antibiotics, and promoting unhealthy lifestyles—are directly fueling epidemics like cancer, diabetes, and antibiotic resistance. These preventable diseases devastate millions of lives and strain healthcare systems worldwide. It is unacceptable to allow profit and negligence to endanger public health. Immediate, decisive action is essential to stop this self-inflicted crisis before it worsens further.

Counter-claim

The concern over so-called "man-made diseases" is vastly overstated and distracts from real health priorities. Most illnesses arise from natural causes, and the focus on human involvement is often sensationalized. Resources would be better spent addressing proven health threats rather than chasing hypothetical or exaggerated risks. In reality, the impact of man-made diseases pales in comparison to naturally occurring ones, making this issue far less important than many claim.