Water Pollution: A Deadly Threat To Human Health

Water pollution is a serious global issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate bodies of water, making them toxic and unsafe for human use. This contamination can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid, with unsafe water causing approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. In 2015, water pollution was linked to 1.8 million deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that waterborne infections account for 80% of all infectious diseases globally. The primary sources of water pollution are human settlements, industrial activities, and agricultural practices, with inadequate wastewater treatment contributing significantly to the problem. The impact of water pollution is disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where up to one in four deaths can be attributed to pollution.

Water pollution kills 1.8 million people a year

Water pollution is a severe issue that poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. It occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate water sources, degrading water quality and making it toxic. The problem of water pollution is widespread, and it is jeopardizing the health of millions of people worldwide.

Unsafe water is a major global concern, killing more people annually than war and all other forms of violence combined. According to a study published in The Lancet, water pollution caused approximately 1.8 million deaths in 2015. Another source mentions that water pollution accounted for 1.4 million deaths in 2019. The issue is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, where more than 90% of pollution-related deaths occur. These countries often lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to address water pollution effectively.

Contaminated water can transmit various diseases, with diarrhoea being the most well-known. However, unsafe water can also cause other illnesses, such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. In 2022, an estimated 1.7 billion people worldwide relied on drinking water sources contaminated with faeces, which poses a significant risk to their health. The lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation contributes to the spread of these diseases.

In addition to the direct health impacts, water pollution also has indirect consequences. For example, it can lead to a decrease in economic productivity as people spend time and effort collecting water from distant sources or become too ill to work. It can also hinder children's education, as those who are sick due to water-related diseases may have poor school attendance.

To address the issue of water pollution and mitigate its deadly effects, it is crucial to improve water supply and sanitation systems, particularly in vulnerable communities. This includes investing in infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment facilities, and promoting better management of water resources. By taking these steps, we can reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by water pollution each year.

Diarrhoeal diseases caused by contaminated water kill 505,000 people annually

Water pollution is a severe issue that jeopardizes human health and safety. Unsafe water kills more people annually than war and all other forms of violence combined. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, causing approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year.

Diarrhoeal diseases are a significant consequence of water pollution, with an estimated 505,000 deaths attributed to contaminated drinking water annually. This issue is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to safe drinking water and sanitation is limited. In these settings, water contaminated with human or animal faeces poses a severe threat, as it can transmit pathogens that cause diarrhoeal diseases.

Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day. It can be acute, lasting several hours or days, or persistent, lasting 14 days or longer. Dehydration is the most severe threat posed by diarrhoea, as the body loses water and electrolytes through liquid stools, vomit, sweat, urine, and breathing. In children under five years old, diarrhoea is the third leading cause of death and is responsible for approximately 443,832 deaths annually. It is also a leading cause of malnutrition in this age group, as each episode deprives the child of necessary nutrients for growth.

Interventions to prevent diarrhoeal diseases include access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, handwashing with soap, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting diarrhoeal diseases and other waterborne illnesses.

Furthermore, unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hand hygiene contribute to the spread of diarrhoeal diseases. In 2022, an estimated 1.7 billion people worldwide relied on drinking water sources contaminated with faeces, which poses the greatest risk to drinking water safety. This issue is particularly prevalent in low-income countries, where children under three years old experience an average of three episodes of diarrhoea annually.

The impact of diarrhoeal diseases caused by contaminated water is not limited to health but also affects economic and social aspects. When water sources are improved and more accessible, people spend less time and effort collecting water, allowing them to allocate time to other productive activities. Additionally, better water sources lead to reduced health expenditures as individuals are less likely to fall ill and incur medical costs.

Waterborne pathogens from human and animal waste cause cholera, giardia, and typhoid

Water pollution is a severe issue that jeopardizes human health. Contaminated water can cause various illnesses, and unsafe water kills more people annually than war and all other forms of violence combined. Waterborne pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a significant concern in drinking water. These pathogens can cause diseases such as cholera, giardia, and typhoid.

Cholera is a waterborne illness commonly found in humanitarian emergencies or marginalized communities where poverty and poor sanitation are prevalent. It is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and spreads through contaminated water and food sources. The disease causes severe dehydration and diarrhea and can be fatal within days or even hours of exposure. However, only 1 in 10 people will develop life-threatening symptoms. Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, consuming only cooked food, and drinking safe water.

Giardia is an infection caused by a parasite found in ponds, streams, and other water sources. Those infected may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea. While most people recover from giardia without medical intervention, studies have linked the infection to adverse effects on child growth and development. There is currently no vaccine, but simple prevention methods include handwashing, avoiding swallowing water while swimming, and drinking bottled water.

Typhoid fever, caused by contaminated water and food sources, is characterized by high fever, headache, stomach pain, and rose-colored spots. While typhoid fever has been largely eradicated in developed countries, it persists in regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. It is highly contagious, and vaccines are recommended for travelers to affected areas. Antibiotics are used to treat typhoid.

Unsafe drinking water contaminated with human and animal waste poses a significant risk to human health. These waterborne pathogens can cause severe illnesses, including cholera, giardia, and typhoid fever, which can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, and even death. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is crucial to preventing these diseases and ensuring the well-being of individuals, especially in vulnerable communities.

Inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene cause 3.5 million deaths per year

Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardises our health. Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined. Inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene cause around 3.5 million deaths per year.

The Impact of Inadequate Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices cause approximately 1 million deaths each year from diarrhoea alone. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In these settings, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, known collectively as WASH, contribute to a range of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory infections, malnutrition, schistosomiasis, malaria, soil-transmitted helminth infections, and trachoma.

Diarrhoeal Diseases

Diarrhoeal diseases are the most well-known consequence of inadequate WASH, causing an estimated 829,000 deaths in 2016, which accounts for 60% of all diarrhoeal deaths globally. Contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, in addition to diarrhoea. In 2022, it was estimated that microbiologically contaminated drinking water caused approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths.

Respiratory Infections

Inadequate hand hygiene is a significant contributor to respiratory infections, which account for 13% of the overall disease burden associated with inadequate WASH. Poor hand hygiene practices facilitate the transmission of respiratory pathogens, which can enter the body through hand-to-face contact.

Malnutrition

Inadequate WASH practices are linked to malnutrition, particularly in children. Repeated episodes of diarrhoea resulting from unsafe water and poor sanitation can lead to stunting and hinder children's physical and cognitive development.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms found in infested water. Inadequate drinking water and sanitation services increase the risk of contracting schistosomiasis. In 2016, it was estimated that inadequate WASH practices contributed to 10,400 deaths from schistosomiasis.

Malaria

Malaria is another disease influenced by WASH practices. Environmental management, including water resource management, plays a crucial role in preventing malaria transmission. However, in 2016, it was estimated that 80% of malaria cases, or 355,000 deaths, were attributable to non-existent water resource management.

Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Trachoma

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and trachoma are completely preventable through adequate WASH practices. These infections are transmitted through contact with human faeces and personal contact, respectively, and proper sanitation, hygiene, and safe water management can eliminate the risk of infection.

Addressing the Issue

Unsafe water and inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices have severe health consequences, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and those in low- and middle-income countries. To reduce the disease burden and save lives, it is essential to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and promote proper handwashing practices.

Water pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities

Water pollution is a serious issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Unsafe water causes more deaths each year than war and all other forms of violence combined. Contaminated water can transmit various diseases, including cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, and unsafe drinking water sources are linked to approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths annually.

Low-income communities are disproportionately affected by water pollution. Firstly, they often reside in areas with inadequate water infrastructure and poor water quality. For example, a study found that 65,000 people in New York City lacked access to piped water. Additionally, racial and income disparities exist in drinking water infrastructure, with minority and low-income communities facing limited access to piped water and potable water. Native American households, for instance, are 19 times more likely than white households to have inadequate plumbing.

The placement of polluting facilities and sources also contributes to the disproportionate impact on low-income communities. These communities are often located near industrial areas, power plants, factories, and highways, exposing residents to higher levels of pollutants. Decision-makers take advantage of the lack of opposition and financial incentives in these areas, such as cheaper land and labour. Moreover, weak emissions regulations and enforcement further exacerbate the problem, as industries may emit unhealthy levels of pollution without repercussions.

The consequences of water pollution on low-income communities are severe. Physical health issues include respiratory diseases, heart disease, and adverse birth outcomes. Mental health is also affected, with links found between exposure to air pollution and anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments.

Addressing the disproportionate impact of water pollution on low-income communities requires tackling the root cause of the issue: the unequal power dynamics and systemic social and racialized inequality. Community organizing and political participation have been identified as effective strategies to empower citizens and influence local, regional, and national change.

Frequently asked questions