Water Pollution: A Health Hazard And Disease Source

Water pollution can cause a wide range of diseases, including cholera, typhoid, Legionnaires' disease, and parasitic diseases such as cryptosporidiosis and schistosomiasis. In addition, water pollution can lead to gastrointestinal illness, malnutrition, and even cancer. More than two million people worldwide die each year from diarrhoeal diseases, with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water being the leading cause of nearly 90% of deaths.

Diarrhoea

Water pollution can cause diarrhoea in several ways. Firstly, polluted water can contain harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can be ingested when contaminated water is consumed. These pathogens can irritate the digestive system, leading to diarrhoea. Additionally, water pollution can result in the contamination of food sources, particularly in agricultural areas where runoff from farms can carry pollutants into water bodies used for irrigation. Consuming contaminated food can also lead to diarrhoea.

One of the most well-known examples of waterborne pathogens causing diarrhoea is cholera. Cholera is a bacterial infection that can be spread through contaminated water, and it has been linked to water pollution in developing countries. Studies have shown that household water treatment and storage can effectively reduce the risk of cholera infection.

Another example of a waterborne pathogen that can cause diarrhoea is cryptosporidium, a parasite that can be transmitted through contaminated water. Cryptosporidiosis, the disease caused by this parasite, results in stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. It is a global disease that can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for young children due to the risk of dehydration.

To prevent diarrhoeal diseases caused by water pollution, it is essential to ensure access to safe drinking water and improve environmental hygiene. This includes proper wastewater treatment, effective sanitation practices, and the prevention of pollution from agricultural and industrial sources. By addressing these issues, the risk of waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea, can be significantly reduced.

Skin diseases

Water pollution can cause a range of skin diseases. While the exact nature of these skin diseases is not specified, we do know that water pollution can cause parasitic diseases, such as cryptosporidiosis, which is caused by the cryptosporidium parasite and results in stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Schistosomiasis is another parasitic disease caused by a small worm living in water, which can remain dormant for years while damaging internal organs.

Water pollution can also cause cholera, which is linked to contaminated water. Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine, causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea. It is often caused by drinking water that has been contaminated with human faeces.

In addition to these diseases, water pollution can also cause gastroenteritis, which includes adenoviruses, calciviruses and rotaviruses, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Finally, water pollution can cause malnutrition, which can lead to a range of skin issues, such as dryness, cracking, and rashes.

Malnutrition

Water pollution can cause malnutrition by inhibiting nutrient absorption. Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when the body does not get the right amount of nutrients it needs to function properly. It can be caused by a lack of nutrients in the diet, or by the body's inability to absorb nutrients from food.

There are two main types of malnutrition: undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition occurs when the body does not get enough nutrients, while overnutrition occurs when the body gets too many nutrients. Both types of malnutrition can have serious health consequences.

Undernutrition can lead to weight loss, muscle wasting, and a weakened immune system. It can also cause developmental problems in children, including stunted growth and cognitive impairments. In severe cases, undernutrition can lead to death.

Overnutrition, on the other hand, can lead to obesity, which is associated with a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Water pollution can contribute to malnutrition in several ways. Firstly, it can contaminate drinking water sources, making them unsafe for consumption. This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses that inhibit the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. Secondly, water pollution can also affect the quality of food sources, such as fish and other aquatic organisms, that are consumed by humans. Contaminants in water can accumulate in the tissues of these organisms, and when they are consumed, they can interfere with nutrient absorption in the body.

The effects of malnutrition can be particularly severe in children, who are more vulnerable to the impacts of nutrient deficiencies. Malnutrition can impair children's growth and development, leading to long-term physical and cognitive impairments. It is therefore crucial to address water pollution and ensure access to safe and nutritious food and water to prevent malnutrition and its associated health consequences.

Cancer

Water pollution can cause a variety of diseases, including cancer. Cancer is a disease that can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants in the water. These pollutants can include heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste. When these substances are ingested or absorbed through the skin, they can damage DNA and disrupt normal cell growth, leading to the development of cancerous tumours.

The effects of water pollution on cancer development can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. Children, with their developing immune systems and smaller body sizes, may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of pollutants. Additionally, certain cancers, such as leukaemia and brain tumours, are more prevalent in childhood, and water pollution may play a role in their development. Similarly, the elderly may have weakened immune systems and pre-existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the carcinogenic effects of water pollution.

Furthermore, water pollution can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, which can indirectly increase the risk of cancer. For example, waterborne pathogens, such as certain viruses and bacteria, can cause chronic infections that have been linked to an increased risk of specific cancers. Additionally, parasitic infections transmitted through contaminated water, such as schistosomiasis, can damage organs and increase the likelihood of cancer development in those affected.

It is important to note that the link between water pollution and cancer is complex and multifaceted. The risk of developing cancer depends on various factors, including the concentration and duration of exposure to pollutants, individual genetic factors, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the impact of water pollution on cancer rates may vary across different geographic regions, with areas experiencing higher levels of pollution or lacking adequate water treatment infrastructure being particularly vulnerable.

Encephalitis

The culex mosquito is the main vector for transmitting encephalitis to humans. These mosquitoes are attracted to polluted water, where they lay their eggs. The larvae then hatch and develop into adult mosquitoes, which can carry the encephalitis virus and transmit it to humans through their bites.

It is important to note that not everyone who is bitten by a culex mosquito will develop encephalitis. Some people may experience mild symptoms such as fever and headache, while others may have no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, encephalitis can be severe and even life-threatening, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

To prevent encephalitis, it is crucial to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, especially in areas with polluted water. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Additionally, it is important to keep windows and doors closed or screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

Frequently asked questions