Water Pollution: A Human Health Crisis

Water pollution is a serious global issue that occurs when harmful substances contaminate bodies of water, rendering them toxic to humans and the environment. It can cause a plethora of health issues in humans, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Water pollution can be caused by various factors, including toxic waste, petroleum, and disease-causing microorganisms. These contaminants can enter water sources through industrial activities, agricultural runoff, sewage systems, and natural factors such as weather events.

The impact of water pollution on human health is significant and far-reaching. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe drinking water is responsible for approximately 1.4 million deaths annually due to poor sanitation, poor hygiene, and contaminated water. Water pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, with certain contaminants such as arsenic, nitrate, and chromium being highly associated with cancer development.

Additionally, water pollution can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, with diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid being commonly associated with contaminated water sources.

Furthermore, water pollution can also affect skin health, with studies showing a correlation between swimming in polluted water and an increased risk of skin diseases and rashes.

The effects of water pollution on human health are wide-ranging and can vary based on regional, age, and gender differences. However, it is clear that water pollution poses a significant threat to human health and well-being.

Ingesting microplastics

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, which are often ingested by humans through drinking water or contaminated seafood. A 2020 study estimated that humans ingest between 0.1 and 5 grams of microplastics weekly.

The ingestion of microplastics can cause a range of health issues. Studies show that microplastics may cause oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and metabolic disorders in humans. They can also carry toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants, which can be harmful to the human body.

The effects of microplastics on human health are still being researched, but there is growing concern about their potential impact. Microplastics are easily ingested due to their small size, and they can move through the food chain and persist in the environment as they are challenging to biodegrade.

To mitigate the potential risks posed by microplastics, it is essential to reduce plastic usage and properly dispose of plastic waste. Additionally, wastewater treatment processes should be improved to ensure that microplastics are effectively filtered out before water is released into the sea.

Consuming water contaminated by sewage

One of the most common waterborne diseases caused by sewage contamination is diarrhea, which can be triggered by various bacterial and parasitic infections. For example, Campylobacteriosis, caused by the bacterium Campylobacter, can lead to bloody diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Similarly, Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria can cause watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, E. coli infections may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, resulting in kidney failure and even death. Cryptosporidiosis, caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, is another common waterborne illness. It typically results in diarrhea, loose stools, stomach cramps, an upset stomach, and a slight fever.

In addition to gastrointestinal issues, consuming water contaminated by sewage can lead to other health problems. For instance, the viral infection Hepatitis A, transmitted through contaminated water, can cause jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Salmonella, a group of bacteria, can lead to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, Salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and cause death.

Furthermore, sewage contamination can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The presence of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals in sewage can expose bacteria to low levels of antibiotics, promoting the evolution of resistant strains. This poses a significant challenge to public health, as antibiotic resistance increases the severity of illnesses and limits treatment options.

The impact of consuming water contaminated by sewage is not limited to immediate health effects. Sewage can also contain chemical elements like nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as fertilizers and promote the growth of algae. High concentrations of algae form harmful algal blooms (HABs), which deplete oxygen levels in the water as they decompose, leading to mass die-offs of fish and other marine organisms.

To mitigate the risks associated with sewage contamination, it is crucial to invest in robust sewage treatment systems, effective monitoring, and preventive measures. Public awareness and education about responsible waste disposal are also vital to ensure a safer future for generations to come.

Drinking water containing chemical waste

Drinking water that contains chemical waste can have serious implications for human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that, globally, around 1.7 billion people use drinking water sources contaminated with faecal matter, and a further 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services. Contaminated water can harbour bacteria, such as those responsible for cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio. According to the WHO, approximately 1.4 million people die each year due to poor sanitation, poor hygiene, or unsafe drinking water.

Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals, can cause serious health problems if ingested. For example, the ingestion of arsenic from drinking water can cause skin cancer, as well as kidney and bladder cancer. The ingestion of chemical toxins can also lead to altered brain function, damage to the immune and reproductive systems, and cardiovascular and kidney problems.

In addition to the direct health impacts of drinking water contaminated with chemical waste, there are also indirect consequences. For instance, unsafe drinking water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, inhibiting nutrient absorption and causing malnutrition. This can have particularly severe effects on children, who are more vulnerable to diarrhoeal diseases and are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and weakened immune systems as a result.

Furthermore, water pollution can also affect skin health. Studies have found a correlation between exposure to polluted water and an increased risk of skin diseases, with excessive bacteria in seawater and heavy metals in drinking water being identified as the main pathogenic factors.

The impact of drinking water pollutants on cancer is also a significant concern. Epidemiological studies have shown that drinking water contaminants, such as chlorinated by-products, nitrates, arsenic, and radionuclides, are associated with cancer in humans.

It is important to note that the effects of drinking water contamination can vary depending on factors such as country, region, age, and gender. However, in general, water pollution has a significant impact on human health and is a leading cause of many diseases, including diarrhoea, skin diseases, cancer, and various childhood illnesses.

Swimming in contaminated water

In highly polluted water, swimmers may be exposed to more serious diseases, including gastrointestinal illnesses and, in very rare cases, flesh-eating bacteria. Furthermore, certain types of cyanobacteria found in contaminated water can produce algal blooms, which, when people are exposed, may cause hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or even kidney or liver damage.

To minimize the risk of illness from swimming in contaminated water, it is recommended not to swallow the water, to shower before and after swimming, and to avoid swimming after rainfall or at beaches with visible discharge pipes or algal blooms. It is also important to stay out of the water if you have diarrhoea and to regularly wash your hands, especially after changing diapers.

Consuming water with high levels of heavy metals

• Liver damage: Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury can cause liver damage and even liver failure.
• Kidney damage: Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury can cause kidney damage.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Heavy metals can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and dysentery.
• Neurological issues: Heavy metal exposure has been linked to neurological problems, including developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
• Cardiovascular issues: Heavy metals can contribute to cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Cancer: Heavy metals are known to be carcinogenic and can increase the risk of various types of cancer, including skin and gastric cancer.
• Reproductive issues: Heavy metals can have adverse effects on the reproductive system, impacting fertility and causing developmental issues in children.
• Skin issues: Exposure to heavy metals can lead to skin lesions and other skin-related problems.
• Other health issues: Heavy metal exposure has also been associated with respiratory issues, immune system problems, and developmental disorders.

Frequently asked questions