The prevailing global discourse revolves around progress, emphasising the implementation of accessible strategies and pursuing economic growth within the broader development concept.
However, as human society vigorously pursues development, it grapples with various complex challenges daily.
One prominent consequence of this pursuit is the increasing prevalence of health issues, often attributed to the rapid changes associated with development.
Loss of naturalness
The theory of development has brought about a profound transformation in the inherent human structure. This transformation is unable to be reversed at present.
Alongside this, natural physical behaviours in humans have undergone substantial changes.
Consequently, widespread diseases like cancer, diabetes, and kidney ailments have become a significant global concern.
Furthermore, there is a growing issue of early onset menstruation or puberty in girls, which is causing worry worldwide.
A situation where severe social problems may arise
In recent times, considerable research has focused on the early onset of puberty in girls. Puberty, marked by a girl’s first period, encompasses significant physiological and hormonal changes, including the onset of breast development.
It is now scientifically established that these developmental milestones occur increasingly younger than previous generations.
The trend of girls reaching puberty at a very young age presents not only a serious health concern but also a complex social issue.
Sociologists have raised concerns about the potential social implications of early puberty. They argue that early maturation in girls may lead to serious social problems, particularly if these young individuals lack a proper understanding of the changes in their bodies.
Of particular concern is the potential for early sexual activity among girls who experience early puberty without being adequately prepared for the associated physical and emotional changes.
Sociologists emphasise that addressing the challenges posed by early puberty, such as ensuring comprehensive sex education and providing appropriate support systems, is crucial to mitigate the potential risks, including issues related to sexual behaviour, pregnancy, and general misunderstanding.
Examining the multifaceted implications of early puberty, including its impact on social dynamics and individual well-being, reveals that a comprehensive and nuanced approach is necessary to address this complex issue.
Puberty is four years ahead
Recent studies on American girls have revealed an increasing trend of entering puberty at a younger age.
It has been observed that girls today reach puberty about four years earlier compared to girls who lived 100 years ago.
In the year 2000, the majority of female children reached puberty at 11 years and 9 months, while between 2008 and 2020, early symptoms such as breast development and menstruation before the age of 8 were observed.
However, between 1950 and 1969, the average age of puberty for girls was 12 years and 5 months, as shown by the researchers conducting the study.
A threat to life expectancy
According to Emory University in Atlanta, early puberty is more common in lower social groups and ethnic minority groups.
Premature puberty can lead to various long-term issues and may even limit fertility. Emory University has highlighted the potential for a decrease in life expectancy for women who experience early puberty, as well as the increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
Meanwhile, Brenda Eskenazi, a professor of public health at the University of California, has emphasised the challenge of identifying the exact causes of early puberty.
She believes there are numerous contributing factors and stresses the potential dangers associated with early puberty, like an increased risk of early sexual activity, especially in places where abortion is illegal and access to birth control remains limited. She has also warned of the potential negative impact on society.
Air pollution is the most potent cause of
Previously, obesity was widely believed to be the primary cause of early puberty, but recent research has uncovered a more nuanced understanding.
While obesity does play a role, it’s now recognised that a range of other factors also significantly influence the timing of puberty.
Notably, exposure to various pollutants has emerged as a critical consideration in the onset of early puberty.
Studies in some of the most heavily polluted cities globally, such as Seoul and Busan, have yielded compelling evidence linking air pollution to early puberty.
The concerning reality is that human populations are currently exposed to harmful gases, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, released into the atmosphere.
Researchers in Poland have specifically highlighted the potential impact of increased exposure to nitrogen gas on early puberty.
Furthermore, scientists posit that additional factors could contribute to the early onset of puberty. Exposure to pollutants through various channels could also be influential.
These pollutants are believed to induce significant hormonal changes in the body, thus directly affecting the timing of puberty.
Moreover, factors such as the presence of microplastics, the effects of climate change, and shifts in global conditions likely contribute to this complex issue, impacting normal developmental patterns.
