Contaminated Water: A Health Crisis And Disease Breeding Ground

Drinking polluted water can lead to a range of waterborne diseases. These are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, as well as toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria. Contaminated water can also contain chemicals from industrial and manufacturing facilities, agricultural and farming practices, and human activities. Humans can be exposed to these pollutants through drinking water, recreational waters, and fish and shellfish. Some of the diseases caused by drinking polluted water include salmonella, lead poisoning, and arsenicosis.

Salmonella

Drinking polluted water can expose people to waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Salmonella is one of the most common waterborne diseases, caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with faeces. Domestic or wild animals can leave their faeces in or near water surfaces such as rivers, lakes and ponds, and the salmonella virus can then enter private wells, water tanks and other water supplies, especially after a flood.

To prevent salmonella infection, it is important to practise good hygiene and sanitation. This includes washing hands regularly, especially after using the toilet or handling raw meat or poultry. It is also important to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly, as salmonella bacteria are destroyed by heat.

When travelling to areas with poor sanitation or contaminated water sources, it is important to take extra precautions to avoid salmonella infection. This may include drinking only bottled or boiled water, avoiding raw or undercooked food, and practising good hand hygiene.

In addition to salmonella, there are several other diseases that can be contracted from drinking polluted water. These include cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and dysentery. Polluted water can also contain harmful chemicals, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents, which can increase the risk of cancer. Lead can also enter drinking water through old pipes or the discharge of toxic chemicals, leading to lead poisoning which can cause anaemia, reproductive problems, high blood pressure, and kidney and nervous system issues.

Lead poisoning

Drinking polluted water can expose people to waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria can also cause water-related illnesses. Other primary sources of water pollution include chemicals from industrial and manufacturing facilities, agricultural and farming practices, and human activities.

Lead can enter drinking water through old pipes and solders or through the discharge of toxic chemicals into water systems. Once ingested, lead can cause lead poisoning, a life-threatening disease. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies are less able to deal with elevated levels of the metal. Lead poisoning can result in numerous health conditions, including anaemia, problems with the reproductive system, and high blood pressure. It can also affect the kidneys and nervous system.

Arsenicosis

The successful mission towards the elimination of this health hazard rests on three pillars: diagnosis, prevention, and management. Controlling the problem of arsenicosis depends on various factors, of which the most important is the cessation of the intake of arsenic-contaminated water. Arsenic-free drinking water can be provided through deep wells, traditional dug wells, treatment of surface water, rainwater harvesting, and removing arsenic from contaminated water by an arsenic removal plant or arsenic treatment unit. The role of nutrition and antioxidants in preventing the onset of symptoms of arsenicosis is also of importance. Nonspecific therapies, such as keratolytics for hyperkeratosis, serve as palliative measures. The persons affected need to be followed up at regular intervals to detect the onset of cancers at the earliest.

Cancer

Drinking polluted water can expose people to specific water contaminants that could lead to certain waterborne diseases. Water-related illnesses include waterborne diseases that are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Some of these sicknesses also arise from the toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria. Other primary sources of contaminants include chemicals from industrial and manufacturing facilities, agricultural and farming practices, and human activities.

One of the most serious risks of drinking polluted water is the increased chance of getting cancer. Polluted water can contain chemicals like methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents, which have been linked to an elevated risk of cancer. These chemicals can enter water sources through industrial and manufacturing processes, as well as agricultural and farming practices.

It's important to note that not all sources of polluted water will contain these cancer-causing chemicals. However, the presence of these contaminants in drinking water is a significant health concern. Consuming water contaminated with arsenic, for example, also puts individuals at risk of contracting Arsenicosis, a serious health condition.

The effects of drinking polluted water can vary depending on the specific contaminants present and the duration and level of exposure. While the immediate effects may be mild or non-existent, long-term exposure to polluted water can have cumulative effects on health, including an increased risk of cancer. It is crucial to ensure that drinking water sources are properly treated and monitored to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants.

In addition to the direct health impacts, drinking polluted water can also have indirect effects on cancer risk. For example, if the polluted water source is used for irrigation or agricultural purposes, it can contaminate the food supply, leading to the consumption of contaminated produce. This indirect route of exposure can contribute to the overall cancer risk, especially if the contaminated food is consumed over a long period of time.

Viruses, bacteria, and protozoa

Drinking polluted water can expose people to waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. These pathogens can enter water sources through animal faeces, polluted storm water runoff, agricultural runoff, industrial and manufacturing chemicals, and human activities.

Waterborne viruses can cause a range of illnesses, from mild to severe. Hepatitis A, for example, is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted through contaminated water. It can cause symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Norovirus is another waterborne virus that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. These viruses can spread quickly through contaminated water sources, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

Bacterial infections transmitted through polluted water can have serious health consequences. Cholera, caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*, can lead to severe diarrhoea and dehydration, and even death if left untreated. Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium *Salmonella typhi*, is another waterborne bacterial infection that can result in high fever, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. Legionnaires' disease, caused by the bacterium *Legionella pneumophila*, is a severe form of pneumonia that can be contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets or vapour.

Protozoan infections are also a concern when it comes to drinking polluted water. Cryptosporidiosis, caused by the protozoan *Cryptosporidium parvum*, can lead to diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan *Giardia lamblia*, can result in similar symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea. These protozoan infections are often transmitted through water contaminated by animal or human faeces and can be challenging to treat.

In addition to the risks posed by pathogens, drinking water polluted with chemicals can also increase the risk of developing cancer. For example, exposure to methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Lead contamination in drinking water is another serious concern, as lead can cause lead poisoning, which can lead to anaemia, reproductive problems, high blood pressure, and nervous system disorders. Arsenic contamination in water can result in Arsenicosis, a chronic disease that can cause skin lesions, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

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