Polluted Water: A Global Health Crisis For All

Water pollution is a global issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate a body of water, making it toxic and unfit for human use. These harmful substances include chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. According to the World Health Organization, around 2 billion people worldwide use drinking water sources contaminated with faecal matter, leading to diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, and dysentery.

Water pollution has severe health implications, causing approximately 1.8 million deaths each year. Unsafe water is responsible for more deaths annually than war and other forms of violence combined. It is a significant cause of childhood diseases, with diarrhoeal diseases killing 1.8 million people each year, 90% of whom are children under five.

Water pollution also affects the environment, damaging aquatic ecosystems and triggering the proliferation of phytoplankton in lakes, known as eutrophication. This process creates dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive due to a lack of oxygen.

The main causes of water pollution include industrial activities, agricultural practices, sewage and wastewater disposal, plastic pollution, and oil spills.

Addressing water pollution is crucial to protecting human health and the environment. Preventative measures include reducing plastic usage, properly disposing of waste, and treating wastewater to prevent the release of harmful substances into water bodies.

People in low-income countries

One of the most common diseases caused by water pollution is diarrhoea, which is mainly transmitted by enteroviruses in the aquatic environment. Other waterborne pathogens include bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, which can cause cholera, giardia, typhoid, and viral hepatitis. These illnesses can have devastating consequences, particularly for young children, who are especially susceptible to waterborne diseases. Diarrhoeal diseases account for 21% of annual deaths among children under five years of age in developing countries, with 88% of these cases attributed to inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.

In addition to gastrointestinal illnesses, unsafe drinking water and poor environmental hygiene can lead to malnutrition, as diarrhoeal diseases can result in reduced immune resistance and hinder nutrient absorption. This is especially detrimental to children, who are already more vulnerable to waterborne pathogens.

Water pollution can also cause skin diseases, as excessive bacteria in seawater and heavy metals in drinking water are the main pathogenic factors. Swimming in polluted water has been linked to a higher risk of contracting skin diseases and other ailments. Arsenic in drinking water, for example, has been associated with skin diseases such as melanosis and keratosis.

Moreover, water pollution poses a significant cancer risk. Arsenic, nitrate, chromium, and trihalomethanes in water sources are major carcinogens. Ingesting arsenic from drinking water can cause skin cancer, as well as kidney and bladder cancer. Nitrates, in particular, have been linked to colorectal cancer, with a significant association found in men. Drinking water with high chromium content also increases the risk of respiratory cancer.

The impact of water pollution on health is not limited to direct consumption. Polluted water used for irrigation in agriculture can result in food contamination and heavy metal pollution, threatening food safety and human health. Pesticides in drinking water have been linked to a 1% increase in the medical disability index for those over 65 years of age.

To address these issues, interventions such as water treatment and safe storage are crucial. Providing treated and clean water can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, especially in vulnerable populations. Additionally, improving water quality can reduce the overall incidence of diarrhoea and other waterborne illnesses.

Children and infants

The effects of water pollution on children and infants can be severe and long-lasting. For example, nitrate exposure from well water can cause methemoglobinemia in young infants, which can lead to blue baby syndrome and even death. Polluted water can also cause skin diseases, malnutrition, and cancer in children.

In addition, children and infants are more vulnerable to the effects of water pollution due to their developing organs and immune systems. Their organs are still developing and maturing, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants. Their immune systems are also not yet fully developed, making it harder for them to fight off diseases caused by water pollution.

Furthermore, children and infants are often more exposed to polluted water due to their age and dependence on others. They may not be able to recognise or avoid contaminated water sources, and they rely on adults to provide them with safe water for drinking, bathing, and other activities.

Overall, children and infants are disproportionately affected by polluted water due to their unique physiological characteristics, higher exposure, and increased vulnerability to the harmful effects of water pollution. It is crucial to ensure that they have access to clean and safe water to protect their health and well-being.

Pregnant women

One significant risk is the increased likelihood of stillbirth and placental abruption. A study conducted in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, found that pregnancies with high exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a common drinking water contaminant, had 2.38 times the risk of stillbirth and 1.35 times the risk of placental abruption compared to unexposed pregnancies. PCE exposure was also linked to an elevated risk of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

Additionally, water contamination has been associated with low birth weight and preterm births, particularly among mothers with lower education levels. This correlation may be due to these mothers being less likely to relocate in response to contamination issues.

Furthermore, exposure to certain chemicals in polluted water can cause harm to the developing fetus, including retarded growth, stunted mental development, and birth defects. For example, a study of chlorination by-products in tap water found a clear link to a trio of birth defects.

The dangers of polluted water during pregnancy extend beyond ingestion. Even showering or swimming in contaminated water can be harmful, as the skin can absorb toxic chemicals.

To protect themselves and their unborn children, pregnant women should be vigilant about the quality of the water they consume and ensure that they have access to clean drinking water. They should also consider the potential risks of other sources of water exposure, such as showers and swimming pools.

Overall, the effects of polluted water on pregnant women and their babies can be severe and have long-lasting consequences. It is crucial for expectant mothers to have access to safe and clean water sources to mitigate these risks and ensure the healthiest possible outcomes for themselves and their children.

People in rural areas

In rural areas, water pollution can be caused by a variety of factors, including agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and a lack of proper wastewater treatment facilities. These issues can lead to high levels of fecal bacteria, such as in the case of the River Ganges, which flows through the Indian city of Rishikesh. Here, the water becomes heavily polluted, with fecal bacteria levels reaching up to 31 million per 100 milliliters.

The impact of water pollution on rural communities can be devastating, leading to various health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 2 billion people have no option but to drink water contaminated by excrement, exposing them to diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, and dysentery. Additionally, infant mortality is a significant concern, with the UN estimating that diarrheal diseases linked to a lack of hygiene cause the death of about 1,000 children worldwide each day.

Furthermore, water pollution in rural areas can also have economic consequences. When the biological oxygen demand—an indicator of organic pollution in water—exceeds a certain threshold, the growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the affected regions within the associated water basins can decrease significantly. This is due to the negative impact on agriculture, with agricultural yields decreasing as water salinity increases.

To address these issues, it is crucial to implement measures such as improving wastewater treatment and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing the use of chemical pesticides and nutrients on crops, as well as properly treating wastewater, rural communities can help protect their water sources and mitigate the health and economic risks associated with water pollution.

People with pre-existing health conditions

Diarrhea and Gastrointestinal Issues:

Diarrhea is the most common disease caused by water pollution, and it is mainly transmitted by enteroviruses present in the aquatic environment. People with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions are more susceptible to these infections, which can lead to severe dehydration and further complications.

Skin Diseases:

Exposure to polluted water, especially with high levels of bacteria and heavy metals, can trigger or exacerbate skin diseases. This is a particular concern for individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne. The pollutants in the water can irritate the skin, leading to flare-ups and prolonged healing times.

Cancer Risks:

Water pollution is linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including skin cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and colorectal cancer. Individuals with a history of cancer or a predisposition to certain types of cancer are at an elevated risk when exposed to contaminated water sources. The carcinogens present in polluted water can initiate or promote the development of cancerous cells.

Cardiovascular and Kidney Problems:

Chemical pollutants in water, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals, can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular and kidney health. People with pre-existing cardiovascular or renal conditions may experience worsened symptoms or complications due to the consumption of contaminated water.

Respiratory Infections:

Swimming in contaminated water can trigger respiratory infections. Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are more susceptible to these infections and may experience more severe symptoms.

Compromised Immune System:

Water pollution can introduce harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins into the body, compromising the immune system. This is especially concerning for individuals with pre-existing immune disorders or those who are immunocompromised due to certain medical conditions or treatments.

It is important to note that the impact of water pollution on individuals with pre-existing health conditions can vary depending on the specific condition, the severity of the pollution, and the duration of exposure. Therefore, it is crucial for people with underlying medical issues to be vigilant about water quality and take necessary precautions, such as using water purification systems or opting for bottled water if needed.

Frequently asked questions