Water pollution has its far reaching disruptive effects on everything it touches from the aquatic ecosystems it is home to, to the socio economic effects where it can negatively impact the livelihood of various populations in developing countries, to the broader health risks it poses. Despite all this water pollution seems to be a threatening issue where the buck doesn’t seem to stop with anyone especially considering that most of the contamination is man-made. With this context, let’s learn in detail how humans are impacted due to water pollution.
The Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health
Water pollution significantly impacts human health, both in the short and long term. From immediate illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses to chronic conditions triggered by prolonged exposure to contaminants, the health implications are vast and alarming.
Water Pollution and Disease
Polluted water is a major source of diseases that claim millions of lives annually, particularly in low-income regions.
- Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Every year, contaminated water causes over 1.2 million deaths worldwide, primarily due to diarrheal diseases. Harmful microorganisms like E. coli and Salmonella are the usual culprits, found in untreated sewage or agricultural runoff.
- Cholera: Known as one of history's deadliest waterborne diseases, cholera outbreaks often occur in areas with poor sanitation. The disease can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated.
- Skin Diseases: Exposure to polluted water containing industrial chemicals or pesticides can cause skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and dermatitis. This issue is especially prevalent in industrial zones where wastewater is inadequately treated.
Nearly 3.6 billion people globally live without safe sanitation services, making waterborne diseases a persistent challenge.
Long-Term Health Risks
Prolonged exposure to polluted water can cause:
- Cancer: Arsenic-contaminated water, a problem in countries like Bangladesh and India, is responsible for tens of thousands of cancer cases annually.
- Neurological Disorders: Heavy metals like lead and mercury, commonly found in polluted water, disrupt brain function and development. Children exposed to lead in water experience reduced IQ and developmental delays.
- Reproductive Issues: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from agricultural runoff can interfere with hormonal balance, leading to infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects.
A study by the World Health Organization revealed that over 2 billion people use drinking water contaminated with feces, putting them at risk for long-term illnesses.
Economic and Social Implications
Economic Impact of Water Pollution on Human Health
- Healthcare Costs: For developing nations like that of India and its neighboring countries, treating waterborne diseases like dysentery, cholera, and typhoid on a regular basis is a huge strain on the country’s healthcare systems costing it in millions every year.
- Lost Productivity: Again for those belonging to the lower economic strata of the society, a day lost to illness is a missed workday and therefore a loss of income for the affected family.
- Water Treatment Expenses: Treating polluted water sources requires an extra level of treatments meaning more costs to the local governments. This adds to the overall financial burden in lower-income countries.
The World Bank estimates that inadequate water supply and sanitation result in economic losses equivalent to 1.5% of GDP in developing countries.
Social Consequences
- Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Most people that get affected by the polluted water sources are the marginalised, lower-income groups in rural and urban slums who cannot afford advanced water purification systems making them vulnerable to the risks posed by it.
- Water Scarcity and Competition: It is no joke that water can cause a world war with an increasing scarcity of clean water sources. This is exacerbated by the pollution further. This scarcity can lead to conflicts over water resources, as seen in parts of Africa and South Asia.
- Social Unrest and Migration: Communities struggling with polluted water sources may face forced migration or unrest due to the lack of basic resources. This is especially true in areas where water is vital for agriculture and daily survival.
Also Read: Water Pollution Effects on Environment
Preventing Water Pollution and Protecting Human Health
Measures to Reduce Water Pollution
- Proper Waste Management: At an individual level and as society at large, ensuring proper waste disposal is a first step in managing this waste at a later stage. This can further be improved by recycling programs and sustainable waste treatment facilities, before disposing it off into the water sources.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and adopting techniques like crop rotation and organic farming can minimize nutrient runoff into rivers and lakes.
- Advanced Water Treatment Technologies: Innovations like reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and membrane filtration help remove contaminants and ensure safe drinking water. For industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants equipped with advanced filtration systems are essential.
Interestingly, the use of constructed wetlands, which mimic natural ecosystems, has emerged as an eco-friendly solution for treating wastewater in urban and rural areas.
Role of Government and Policy
- Regulating Industries: Setting strict limits on industrial discharge and penalizing violators helps curb the entry of harmful pollutants into water bodies.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Governments must invest in modern wastewater treatment plants, clean water supply networks, and effective sewage systems.
- Global Collaborations: Cross-border water pollution issues require international treaties and agreements, such as the Ganga River Basin Management Plan in India.
- Initiatives in India: Programs like the Namami Gange Mission aim to rejuvenate rivers by addressing pollution sources and restoring ecological balance.
Public Awareness and Education
Public involvement is essential to the success of water pollution prevention efforts.
- Community Engagement: Local communities can organize clean-up drives, tree-planting events near water bodies, and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of water conservation.
- Educational Campaigns: Schools and colleges can incorporate lessons on water pollution and sustainability into their curricula.
Empowering Individuals: Teaching simple steps like proper disposal of household waste, using eco-friendly products, and conserving water can make a big difference.
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