Diving Dangers: Water Pollution's Deadly Impact

Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a threat to both human health and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate water sources, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic. This contamination can have fatal consequences, with unsafe water causing more deaths each year than war and all other forms of violence combined.

Scuba divers are not exempt from the dangers of water pollution. While the risks of dying during a dive are generally small, water pollution can introduce additional hazards. Divers may inadvertently introduce pollutants into the water, such as accidentally dropping trash or leaving behind gear, which can damage delicate underwater ecosystems. Additionally, polluted water can increase the risk of health issues for divers, such as infections, diseases, and other illnesses caused by contaminated water.

Furthermore, water pollution can indirectly affect divers by damaging underwater environments and disrupting natural habitats. This can include the destruction of coral reefs, which divers may unintentionally damage by touching, standing on, or swimming too close to them. It is crucial for divers to be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions to minimize their impact on the environment.

While scuba diving has benefits, such as strengthening the respiratory system and improving overall health, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with water pollution and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of divers and the protection of the underwater environment.

Water pollution can cause diarrhoeal diseases

Water pollution is a significant threat to human health, and diarrhoeal diseases are the most common illnesses caused by it. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, causing approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of global diseases and 50% of child deaths are linked to poor drinking water quality.

The impact of water pollution on diarrhoeal diseases is evident, with unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene causing about 1.8 million diarrhoeal deaths annually. Diarrhoea is a leading cause of death among children under five in low-income countries, and 88% of diarrhoeal diseases are attributed to inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.

Water pollution increases the risk of contracting diarrhoeal diseases, especially in children. The transmission of enteroviruses, which are commonly found in the aquatic environment, is facilitated by contaminated water sources such as groundwater, rivers, seawater, and drinking water. Interventions to improve water quality, such as chlorination and safe storage, are crucial to preventing the spread of diarrhoeal pathogens.

In addition to diarrhoeal diseases, water pollution is linked to various other health issues. Skin diseases, for example, are associated with exposure to heavily polluted water, with excessive bacteria in seawater and heavy metals in drinking water acting as pathogenic factors. Water pollution can also cause cancer, with arsenic, nitrate, chromium, and trihalomethanes in water sources being significant carcinogens.

The impact of water pollution on human health is severe and far-reaching. It is essential to implement effective water management policies to reduce the harm caused by water pollution, especially in developing countries where sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities are lacking.

It can also cause acute respiratory infections

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas contaminated with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. This widespread problem is putting our health at risk. While divers are not at risk of dying from water pollution, they are still exposed to contaminated water, which can cause acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections are typically the most frequent health issues contributing to absenteeism from school and work. The infections occur when contaminated water is inhaled or comes into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The offending allergens and pollutants first attack the inner lining or mucus membrane of the upper respiratory tract. The higher the level of toxicity in the pollutants, the greater the risk of the body's defense system being impaired, making it incapable of fighting off infection. If the infection goes untreated, it can settle in the lungs and become life-threatening.

Water pollution can cause acute respiratory infections in divers in several ways. Firstly, polluted water droplets can be inhaled directly, causing irritation and inflammation in the airways and lungs. Secondly, pollutants in the water can be absorbed through the skin, particularly in the case of chemical pollutants, which can then enter the bloodstream and affect the respiratory system. Thirdly, divers may accidentally ingest contaminated water, introducing harmful substances directly into their digestive and respiratory systems.

The risk of acute respiratory infections from water pollution is higher for divers who spend prolonged periods in polluted water, as well as those who have pre-existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. Additionally, children and individuals who participate in outdoor sports in smoggy areas are also at an increased risk of developing respiratory infections.

To reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections, divers should limit their exposure to polluted water, wear appropriate protective gear, and practice good hygiene before and after diving. Preventative measures are crucial in reducing the likelihood of infection. Consulting with a healthcare provider at the first sign of symptoms is also essential for early treatment and management of acute respiratory infections.

Polluted water can cause harm to marine life

Water pollution is a pressing global issue, and it is causing harm to marine life in several ways. Firstly, contaminants such as heavy metals, oil spills, and pesticides can directly harm aquatic organisms, causing deformities, reproductive issues, and even death. For example, the 2021 oil spill off Los Angeles led to the death of an uncounted number of fish and birds.

Secondly, water pollution can cause a reduction in oxygen levels in marine environments. Certain pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, often found in agricultural runoff, can promote excessive algae growth. When this algae dies and decomposes, it consumes large amounts of oxygen, creating 'dead zones' where marine life can suffocate due to the lack of oxygen.

Thirdly, pollution can destroy marine habitats. For example, certain contaminants can promote the growth of fungus, bacteria, and algae, which can impede the growth of plants that marine life depends on for survival. Additionally, the existence of large algae or moss mats can block sunlight and nutrients from reaching plants and fish, disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Plastic pollution is also a significant issue. Plastic waste attracts other contaminants, making it even more dangerous when ingested by marine animals. With the breakdown of plastics into micro and nano-particles, plastics have proliferated throughout the marine food web. According to the World Wildlife Fund, at least 100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic pollution.

Finally, water pollution can have a knock-on effect on the entire marine food chain. Birds, bears, big cats, and wolves that rely on fish as a food source may find their prey contaminated with chemicals and plastics, which can then accumulate in their bodies. Ultimately, these pollutants can reach humans, who are also impacted by the consumption of contaminated fish.

Overall, water pollution poses a severe threat to marine life, and it is crucial that we take action to mitigate its harmful effects.

Divers can accidentally contribute to water pollution

Furthermore, divers should be mindful of the products they use and properly dispose of any waste. For example, divers are encouraged to use sunscreens that do not contain chemical barriers such as octinoxate, oxybenzone, and benzophenones, as these chemicals can be harmful to marine life. Instead, sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered less damaging to the ocean. Divers should also be cautious when packing for a dive and aim to bring reusable water bottles, bags, utensils, and straws to reduce plastic waste.

Moreover, divers can contribute to water pollution by feeding fish, as this can lead to aggressive behaviour from the fish if the food source is not consistently provided. Removing organisms, dead or alive, from their natural habitat can also disrupt the ecosystem, as all organisms play important roles in sustaining it.

By following guidelines and being mindful of their actions, divers can help minimise their impact on the marine environment and play a role in preserving the reefs and marine life.

Water pollution can cause skin rashes

Water pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate bodies of water, degrading water quality and making it toxic. While divers are not at risk of dying directly from water pollution, they are still vulnerable to the various health issues it can cause. One of the most common issues divers may face is skin rashes.

In addition to arsenic, other chemicals and heavy metals found in industrial and municipal wastewater can also be responsible for skin rashes in divers. These contaminants are toxic to aquatic life and make their way up the food chain, accumulating in larger fish such as tuna. When divers come into direct contact with contaminated water, they are exposed to these toxins, which can irritate the skin and cause rashes.

Furthermore, water pollution can also lead to the growth of harmful algae, known as algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating "dead zones" devoid of life. Certain types of algae produce neurotoxins that can affect a diverse range of wildlife, including whales and sea turtles. When divers come into contact with these contaminated waters, they are at risk of developing skin rashes and other adverse health effects.

Another pathway through which water pollution can cause skin rashes is through the presence of bacteria. Bacteria thrive in warm, poorly chlorinated water, such as that found in hot tubs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for example, can infect hair follicles, leading to a rash known as hot tub folliculitis. This rash typically appears as bright red bumps and tends to occur within 12 to 48 hours of exposure.

Additionally, water pollution can also be a factor in the occurrence of aquagenic urticaria, a rare condition where exposure to water triggers hives or rashes. While the exact cause of this condition is still being researched, it is believed to be related to the release of histamine from mast cells underneath the skin. Aquagenic urticaria can affect individuals of all ages but usually begins in or shortly after puberty and is more common in individuals assigned female at birth.

To prevent and treat skin rashes caused by water pollution, divers should take several precautions. Firstly, it is essential to be aware of the water quality before diving and avoid areas with known contamination or discolored, smelly water. Secondly, divers should rinse their skin thoroughly with clean water and remove any contaminated clothing after diving. Applying mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the skin before diving can also create a protective barrier. For individuals prone to skin rashes, antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams can help relieve symptoms.

Frequently asked questions