Polluted Water: Understanding The Diseases And Health Risks

Water is a universal solvent, which means it can easily dissolve and be polluted by substances. Water pollution is caused by both human and natural factors, and it is jeopardizing our health. Every year, unsafe water sickens about 1 billion people and kills more people than war and all other forms of violence combined. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and it affects children the most. There are more than 50 kinds of diseases caused by poor drinking water quality, and 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths worldwide are linked to it. These diseases include cholera, giardia, typhoid, hepatitis, polio, and various types of diarrhoea, among others.

Diarrhoea

Drinking water can become contaminated with faeces, which poses the greatest risk to drinking water safety. This can occur when animal waste enters water sources, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams, especially after floods. It can also be caused by sewage treatment facilities, agricultural runoff, and urban areas, which contribute harmful pathogens to water supplies.

Waterborne pathogens, in the form of disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a significant cause of diarrhoea. These pathogens can include rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and Norwalk-like viruses, leading to viral gastroenteritis or "stomach flu". The parasite Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia) is another cause of diarrhoea and is commonly found in water sources worldwide.

Consumption of water contaminated with sewage is a primary cause of Traveller's Diarrhoea, which is associated with bacterial enteropathogens, particularly the amoeba protozoa. This infection typically affects the large intestine and the liver, causing mild to severe diarrhoea with mucus and blood.

In addition to microbial contaminants, chemical pollution in drinking water can also induce diarrhoea. Lead, arsenic, and fluoride are examples of chemicals that can be present in drinking water, leading to health issues such as lead poisoning and arsenicosis.

Cholera

While proper sewage and drinking water treatment have made cholera a rare occurrence in developed nations, it still poses a significant threat in many parts of the world. For example, in March 2016, an outbreak of cholera in the Bulambuli District of Eastern Uganda was linked to drinking contaminated water from the nearby Cheptui River. Similarly, in June-July 2015, an outbreak in the Kasese District of southwestern Uganda was attributed to drinking contaminated water from a lakeshore water-collection site.

To prevent cholera outbreaks, it is crucial to ensure access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation practices. This includes implementing proper sewage and water treatment systems, such as boiling or treating drinking water with chlorine tablets, and promoting better hygiene practices. These measures can effectively reduce the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases in affected areas.

Shigellosis

Unsafe drinking water is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that over 3.4 million people die from waterborne diseases each year, with unsafe water sickening about 1 billion people annually. Water pollution can occur due to various factors, such as industrial and agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and human activities, leading to contaminated water sources. One of the diseases caused by drinking polluted water is Shigellosis, a bacterial infection with potentially severe consequences.

The resolution of Shigellosis usually occurs within 5 to 7 days, but it can pose a severe health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. These individuals may struggle to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. Additionally, if left untreated, Shigellosis can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other sites in the body, potentially resulting in death.

To prevent the spread of Shigellosis, it is crucial to ensure proper sewage treatment and protect water supplies from contamination. This includes implementing measures such as chlorination of water sources and proper collection and storage of water to minimise the risk of faecal contamination. Furthermore, maintaining good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, is essential to prevent the transmission of Shigellosis to others.

Encephalitis

Water contaminated with human and animal waste, toxic chemicals, and industrial waste is a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These contaminants can cause a range of illnesses, including cholera, giardia, typhoid, and Legionnaires' disease.

Low-income communities are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with polluted water, as their homes are often located closest to the most polluting industries. Additionally, in rural areas, groundwater may be the only source of freshwater, and it can become polluted with pesticides, fertilizers, and waste from septic systems, rendering it unsafe for human consumption.

The effects of water pollution are widespread and jeopardize the health of millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that unsafe water sickens about 1 billion people every year and is responsible for the deaths of more than 3.4 million people annually.

Access to clean drinking water is vital for ensuring public health and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases. However, the increasing global demand for freshwater and the challenges posed by water pollution highlight the urgent need for action to protect this precious resource.

Reproductive issues

Unsafe drinking water is a serious issue that affects billions of people worldwide. It is estimated that about 1 billion people fall ill and over 3.4 million die from waterborne diseases each year due to unsafe drinking water. Water pollution can occur due to various human activities, such as improper waste disposal, industrial production, agricultural practices, and population growth. These activities introduce contaminants into water sources, including chemicals, waste, plastics, and other pollutants.

Drinking polluted water can have adverse effects on reproductive health. Lead, for example, can enter drinking water through old pipes, solders, or the discharge of toxic chemicals. Once ingested, lead can cause lead poisoning, which may result in problems with the reproductive system. In addition, exposure to certain chemicals and toxins in drinking water can lead to reproductive issues. Pesticides, for instance, have been linked to an increased medical disability index in individuals over 65 years of age.

Consuming water contaminated with arsenic can result in a condition called arsenicosis, which occurs due to the chronic consumption of water containing small amounts of arsenic. This chemical poisoning affects various organs, including the bladder, kidneys, lungs, and skin, and may also increase the risk of cancer.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of polluted water. In the first few months of life, infants are at risk of methaemoglobinaemia, or "blue-baby syndrome," which is caused by ingesting water with high levels of nitrates. This condition interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. In some cases, it can even result in death within a few days. Additionally, infants who are breastfed can be indirectly exposed to nitrates if their mothers consume water with high nitrate levels.

Furthermore, the disinfection of drinking water, while effective in reducing waterborne diseases, may also introduce harmful byproducts. For example, trihalomethanes, which are left behind after the treatment of contaminated water, have been linked to adverse reproductive effects.

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