Resumen
La ingeniería sanitaria ha sido fundamental para la salud pública y la reducción de la mortalidad infantil. Desde los acueductos antiguos hasta las plantas de tratamiento modernas, ha asegurado el acceso al agua potable y saneamiento, previniendo enfermedades infecciosas. Durante la Revolución Industrial, el crecimiento urbano acelerado y la falta de higiene provocaron epidemias que impulsaron el desarrollo de sistemas técnicos para el manejo del agua y desechos. Así, la ingeniería sanitaria se consolidó como disciplina esencial para la protección de la salud colectiva, reduciendo significativamente la mortalidad infantil mundial. Actualmente, sus avances son cruciales frente a desafíos como el cambio climático y la desigualdad en servicios básicos. Comprender su evolución histórica permite valorar cómo la infraestructura, tecnología y políticas públicas han mejorado la calidad de vida y fortalecido la prevención sanitaria.
Citas
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