Water Pollution: A Deadly Threat To Human Health

Water pollution is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate bodies of water, making them unsafe for human consumption and usage. This contamination can lead to severe health issues and even death. According to a report by environmental health experts, water pollution was linked to approximately 1.8 million deaths in 2015. The main sources of water pollution include sewage, wastewater, agricultural runoff, plastic pollution, and oil spills, among others. These pollutants can cause various diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, and cancer, posing a significant threat to human health.

Sewage and wastewater

The dangers of sewage and wastewater fall into four main categories: bacterial, viral, and parasitical infections, and accidents.

Bacterial Infections

Bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria are all commonly found in sewage. These bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and listeriosis, all of which can be fatal. For example, in 2000, an eight-year-old girl died of an E. coli infection, likely caused by sewage discharged into the sea near the beach where she played. Listeria is particularly dangerous to the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and unborn children, who can develop a deadly condition called meningoencephalitis, with a 50% death rate.

Viral Infections

Viruses such as Adenovirus and Norovirus can be found in sewage. Adenovirus causes respiratory infections like pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis, as well as eye infections like conjunctivitis. Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis worldwide and has been known to cause food poisoning from contaminated oysters.

Parasitical Infections

Parasites like Cryptosporidium, found in sewage, cause Cryptosporidiosis, which results in diarrhoea in healthy individuals but can be fatal for those who are frail or unwell, especially people with immune deficiencies.

Accidents

Sewage can also cause accidental deaths. The gases produced by sewage, known as sewer gas, include methane, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These gases can be deadly, especially for people who work in sewers, sewage treatment plants, or near septic tanks. Additionally, sewage can pose a drowning risk, and hydrogen sulphide gas can create acid that corrodes septic tank covers, causing people to fall through and drown.

Environmental Impact

Ingesting microplastics

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have been found in drinking water, food, and the air we breathe. They are created when larger plastics break down and can be found in everyday items like packing materials, car tires, synthetic clothing, and even some cosmetics. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, current research suggests that it can have negative impacts on human health.

Sources of Microplastics

Microplastics have been detected in bottled water, tap water, and food products such as chicken nuggets, apples, and broccoli. They can also be inhaled as dust or ingested from food prepared or stored in plastic containers. Root vegetables, such as carrots, tend to absorb more microplastics than other types of produce. Sewage sludge, often used as fertiliser, is another significant source of microplastics, contaminating both agricultural land and waterways.

Health Risks of Ingesting Microplastics

Studies have linked the ingestion of microplastics to various health issues. Research suggests that chemicals in microplastics can mimic human hormones, disrupting processes such as reproduction, growth, and metabolism. This can lead to increased risks of infertility, poor fetal development, and cancer. Additionally, microplastics may cause oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and metabolic disorders in humans. Exposure to microplastics has also been associated with heart disease, lung disorders, colon cancer, respiratory disease, and endocrine system disruption.

Ways to Reduce Exposure

While it is challenging to completely avoid microplastics, there are several ways to reduce exposure:

• Use an NSF-certified water filter to reduce microplastics in drinking water.
• Avoid storing food or beverages in plastic containers, especially when exposing them to high heat.
• Minimize the use of single-use plastics and properly dispose of or recycle plastic waste.
• Choose glass or ceramic containers for microwaving or heating food and beverages.
• Opt for wooden or bamboo cutting boards instead of plastic ones.
• Prioritize hand washing plastic food containers over using the dishwasher, as high temperatures can cause microplastic shedding.

Drinking water containing chemical waste

Drinking water is an essential resource for all life on Earth. However, water pollution poses a significant threat to human health, and in some cases, it can even be deadly. One of the main causes of water pollution is the presence of chemical waste in drinking water. Here are some ways in which drinking water containing chemical waste can kill you:

Altered Brain Function and Neurological Disorders

The presence of chemical toxins in drinking water can lead to altered brain function. For example, exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury has been linked to neurological issues and can accumulate in the brain, potentially accelerating the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Damage to Immune and Reproductive Systems

Ingesting chemical toxins can also damage the immune and reproductive systems. For instance, pesticides and fertilisers, commonly found in water polluted by agricultural runoff, can have detrimental effects on these systems.

Cardiovascular and Kidney Problems

Drinking water contaminated with chemical waste can also increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney problems. Certain chemicals, such as chlorine and chloramine used in water treatment, can form harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) when they react with organic matter in the water. These byproducts are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues and kidney damage.

Increased Risk of Cancer

Long-term exposure to chemical toxins in drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer. Additionally, overexposure to certain chemicals, such as aluminium sulfate (alum), used in water treatment, may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Birth Defects and Developmental Problems

Chemical pollution in drinking water can also have severe impacts on foetal and infant health. For example, high levels of nitrate in drinking water can decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, posing risks to pregnant women and infants. Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy can lead to developmental problems in fetuses and infants, including reproductive issues and altered brain function.

It is important to note that the effects of drinking water containing chemical waste may vary depending on the specific chemicals present, the concentration, and the duration of exposure. It is always advisable to consult a doctor if you suspect any health issues related to water pollution.

Oil spills

During an oil spill, hazardous chemicals are released into the surrounding water and land, contaminating water and air and posing serious health risks. Those most at risk after exposure include oil rig workers, first responders, marine life, people who live or work near the affected area, and those who consume food from the spill-affected region.

Short-term health effects of oil spill exposure include dizziness, irritability, coughing, and lung problems. It may also trigger mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. While the long-term health effects are not fully understood, studies have found that oil spill cleanup workers experienced ongoing symptoms such as low platelet counts, low hemoglobin levels, and breathing problems. Oil spill exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer and reproductive issues.

In addition to the immediate health and environmental impacts, oil spills can also contaminate drinking water supplies, leading to water scarcity and unsafe water sources for millions of people. They can also have significant economic repercussions, affecting tourism, fishing, and port activity in the affected regions.

Overall, oil spills are a significant threat to both human health and the environment, and prompt media attention and political uproar due to their devastating consequences.

Radioactive substances

Sources of Radioactive Substances in Water

• Mining for uranium and other elements
• Nuclear weapon testing and nuclear power plants
• Oil and gas drilling
• Medical treatments, such as the use of radioactive iodine for thyroid disorders
• Industrial activities that involve cracking into bedrock

Health Risks of Radioactive Substances in Water

• Cancer, including bone cancer and leukemia
• Genetic mutations
• Osteonecrosis
• Cataracts
• Chromosomal disruption
• Acute radiation syndrome
• Cutaneous radiation injury
• Various infections, such as cholera, dysentery, tuberculosis, and pneumonia

Preventive Measures and Treatment Methods

To protect the public from the harmful effects of radioactive substances in water, preventive measures and treatment methods are essential. Here are some key approaches:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards for radionuclides in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Public drinking water systems regularly test for radionuclides and use filters or other methods to remove them.
• Home water treatment systems like ion exchange water softeners and reverse osmosis systems can reduce radionuclide levels.
• Proper analysis and monitoring of radioactive pollutants are crucial for ensuring a safe water supply.
• Treatment methods such as aeration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and granule carbon adsorption can effectively treat radioactive contaminated water.

Frequently asked questions