Water Pollution: Understanding The Health Impact And Symptoms

Polluted water is water that has been contaminated with toxins, such as bacteria, viruses, fertilisers, pesticides, and plastics, to the extent that it is unusable. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 2 billion people have no option but to drink contaminated water, exposing them to a range of diseases and health issues, including cholera, hepatitis A, dysentery, typhoid, polio, and even cancer.

Diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and poliomyelitis

Polluted water can cause a range of serious health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, nervous system or reproductive problems, and chronic diseases such as cancer.

Drinking water contaminated with sewage or chemicals can cause diarrhoea, which is a common symptom of gastrointestinal illness. Diarrhoea can be mild or severe and may be accompanied by mucus and blood. It is often caused by amoebiasis, an infection that spreads through the consumption of water contaminated by sewage, poor hygiene, and the presence of flies. Diarrhoeal diseases linked to a lack of hygiene and clean water cause the deaths of about 1,000 children a day worldwide, according to the UN.

Cholera is another dangerous disease that can be caused by drinking polluted water. It is a bacterial infection that infects the large intestine and liver, causing severe diarrhoea with mucus and blood. The infection spreads through the consumption of water contaminated by sewage, poor hygiene, and flies. Cholera is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate medical attention.

Dysentery is also caused by drinking water contaminated with sewage or faeces. It is an inflammation of the intestine, causing severe diarrhoea with blood and mucus. Like cholera, dysentery is a serious and potentially fatal disease that requires urgent medical treatment.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can be spread through contaminated water. It infects the intestines and causes symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, headache, and constipation or diarrhoea. Typhoid can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly lethal viral infection caused by the poliovirus. It spreads through water contaminated with faeces from an infected person. When the virus enters the bloodstream, it targets and destroys the nervous system, resulting in extreme weakness. Polio can cause permanent paralysis and even death.

Cancer

Polluted water is water that has been contaminated to the extent that it is unusable. It can be toxic and cause diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, dysentery, typhoid, and poliomyelitis. Polluted water can also cause cancer.

The risk of getting cancer from polluted water is increased when the water is consumed from sources contaminated with sewage, poor hygiene, or the presence of flies. Drinking water polluted with chemicals like methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents is especially dangerous.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 2 billion people have no option but to drink water contaminated by excrement, exposing them to the risk of cancer and other diseases. This lack of access to clean water is a global issue, particularly in rural areas, and has led to infant mortality and chronic pain for those suffering from cancer.

It is important to note that the factors influencing whether a contaminant in water will lead to cancer include the type of contaminant, its concentration in the water, individual susceptibility, the amount of water consumed, and the duration of exposure.

Gastrointestinal illnesses

Drinking water contaminated with sewage can lead to amoebiasis, which infects the large intestine and liver. Symptoms include mild or severe diarrhoea with mucus and blood.

Pollutants in water, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fertilisers, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, nitrates, phosphates, plastics, faecal waste and even radioactive substances, can also cause gastrointestinal illnesses. These substances do not always change the colour of the water, meaning that they are often invisible pollutants.

Long-term exposure to drinking water laced with chemical pollutants is associated with some neurological problems such as ADHD. Exposure to high doses of chemicals can lead to skin discolouration or more severe problems such as nervous system or organ damage and developmental or reproductive issues.

Nervous system damage

Polluted water can cause a range of symptoms, including nervous system damage. This can occur due to exposure to high doses of chemicals commonly found in polluted water, such as pesticides, fertilisers, and pharmaceutical products. These chemicals can lead to skin discolouration and more severe problems, including nervous system damage.

Long-term exposure to polluted drinking water has also been linked to neurological problems such as ADHD. While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the presence of chemical pollutants in water is a concerning factor that can contribute to these issues.

In addition to nervous system damage, polluted water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, reproductive issues, and chronic diseases. The specific symptoms and health effects depend on various factors, including the type of contaminant, its concentration in the water, individual susceptibility, the amount of water consumed, and the duration of exposure.

Reproductive effects

Polluted water can cause a range of health issues, including reproductive effects. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines polluted water as water that has been changed in composition to the extent that it is unusable. This means that it is toxic and cannot be drunk or used for essential purposes like agriculture. Polluted water can contain a range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, fertilisers, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, nitrates, phosphates, plastics, faecal waste and even radioactive substances. These contaminants can have a range of effects on the human body, including reproductive effects.

One specific example of a chemical contaminant that can cause reproductive effects is methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). MTBE is a chemical that has been found in drinking water sources and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The substance is carcinogenic, meaning it can damage DNA and cause cancerous tumours. Consuming water polluted with MTBE can increase the risk of developing cancer, which can impact reproductive health and fertility.

Another example of a chemical contaminant with potential reproductive effects is chlorinated solvents. These are often used in industrial processes and can contaminate water sources. Exposure to chlorinated solvents has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in individuals who are exposed over long periods. The reproductive effects of chlorinated solvents can include damage to the reproductive organs and potential fertility issues.

In addition to chemical contaminants, polluted water can also contain bacteria and viruses that can impact reproductive health. For example, the polio virus can be transmitted through water contaminated with faeces. When the virus enters the bloodstream, it can target and destroy the nervous system, leading to extreme weakness. This can potentially impact reproductive health, as the nervous system plays a role in regulating reproductive functions.

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