Recently, there's been growing awareness of the role that diet and environmental factors play in our physical health. But what if the very chemicals in our water and food system are not only contributing to issues like heart disease but are also impacting our mental health?

Increasingly, doctors and researchers are investigating how exposure to pesticides, additives, and other chemicals in our food and water may be linked to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular conditions. Understanding this connection could help address these widespread health issues — especially in industries like construction, where physical and mental health risks are already high.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 50 million people in the United States rely on groundwater for their drinking water, a source potentially contaminated by pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.

I was shocked to read on the National Institute of Health website that since 1974, 1.6 billion kilograms of glyphosate have been applied to our crops, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 280 million pounds just last year. This contamination raises concerns about the long-term health effects on construction workers who may consume water from these sources, especially in rural areas where groundwater is the primary source.

Recent legal actions have highlighted the potential impact of environmental toxins on construction workers' health. A federal judge in California ruled that the EPA must strengthen regulations for fluoride in drinking water, citing concerns about its potential impact on children's brain development. This ruling underscores the importance of addressing the presence of potentially harmful substances in the environment and their potential consequences for workers' health — not to mention the children who are the future workers in our industry.

I have many thoughts on this ruling, but I’m curious to hear what our readers think about it, too. Whether you feel strongly one way or another, let me know!

From pesticides in our crops and water, to unhealthy dyes and artificial additives, what can we do to stay healthy when our water and food are directly impacted daily?

I recently read a book called Good Energy by sister and brother authors Casey and Calley Means. Good Energy is a unifying framework for understanding what is causing symptoms and diseases and how to feel amazing now and in the future.

The book centers around the same topic I’m talking about now. What if depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, and many other health conditions all have the same root cause?

Our ability to prevent these conditions in ourselves and our employees could be simpler than we think. As Dr. Casey Means explains, nearly every health problem we face can be explained by how well the cells in our body create and use energy.

So how can we do this and encourage our workers to do the same?

• Pay attention to the food we’re eating, the ingredients and where it’s coming from.
• Live an active lifestyle.
• Pay attention to our mental health.
• Watch our cold and heat exposure.
• Get the proper sleep required.

Let’s all do our part to ensure our workers lead healthier and happier lives. As an employer, how are you addressing these issues? What do you think about that fluoride ruling?

Email me at bloomj@bnpmedia.com to let me know!