Pollution And Its Impact On Our Health

Pollution is a severe issue, as it contributes to various environmental problems and has significant health impacts. Air, water, and the atmosphere are all affected, leading to an imbalance in the environment. All human and natural activities add to the ever-rising pollution.

Types of pollution 

Pollution comes in different forms, such as water, air, noise, and land pollution. Water pollution occurs when toxic substances contaminate water sources. Industrialization has exacerbated this issue, as toxic wastewater from industries is released into rivers, streams, and ponds. Air pollution happens when pollutants mix in the air, such as emissions from vehicles, cooking, and burning fossil fuels. This emits harmful CO2 into the atmosphere, leading to a drop in oxygen levels. Sound pollution occurs when sounds exceed 85 decibels, causing discomfort for normal human beings. Land pollution involves contaminating the land surface through the use of chemicals and improper waste disposal.

Health effects due to pollution 

Pollution negatively impacts the health of human beings. All these four types of pollutions impact our health in different manners. Numerous health conditions like asthma, cancer, and diarrhoea are common these days. Due to pollution blood flow in the vessels becomes restricted increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can occur in your respiratory system. Air pollution can also cause lung cancer. Pollution is very harmful to our health. Drinking contaminated water can cause serious health problems like diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Let’s take a look at various health issues it can give rise to.

Effects of air pollution

Air pollution is due to the presence of many poisonous gases in the air The main cause of air pollution is the increasing number of vehicles. Carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles is mixed with the atmosphere. Therefore, the oxygen levels in the atmosphere are reduced and carbon dioxide increases. Health issues such as COPD, cardiovascular diseases, eye problems, neurological problems and so on are commonly observed due to high levels of air pollution.

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Effects of Sound Pollution

Noise pollution is another issue currently faced by the people. It is largely observed in cities and metros. Motor vehicles, factories, DJs playing at wedding ceremonies, usage of loudspeakers during communal gatherings and festivities, etc. are prominent causes of noise pollution. Many health issues such as hearing loss, cancer, stress, anxiety, and insomnia can all be due to high levels of unwanted sound.

Effects of Water Pollution

Water pollution is a common occurrence in all developing countries like India. All wastewater from industries and sewage from cities is dumped in water bodies contaminating it. Water pollution is a major cause of numerous diseases like reproductive problems such as birth defects and infertility, gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and liver and gallbladder cancer.

Effects of Land Pollution

Land pollution contaminates the land surface, often due to the dumping of industrial waste, agricultural activities, construction and mining activities. These actions harm the ecological balance, resulting in various health issues including respiratory problems, skin infections, and damage to the central nervous system.

Cancer Is a Major Health Issue 

The number of cancer patients has been on the rise, attributed to the increasing levels of pollution and changing lifestyles. Factors such as addiction and excessive mining of soil for depleted uranium have contributed to the growing incidence of lung cancer. Apart from this inhaling harmful carbon dioxide from vehicles also leads to cancer. Increasing pollution levels is reducing the ozone layer which helps reduce the UV rays from the sun. This is also leading to surmounting cases of skin cancer around the globe. 

Precautionary Measures

Awareness about these risks should be heightened, urging individuals to reconsider their lifestyles. Measures such as waste control and management, pollution permits for industries and vehicles, and using energy-efficient appliances could help control pollution to a great extent. Governments should make it crucially important to teach students the ill effects and ways to mitigate the impact of pollution in schools. It is crucial to address pollution to avoid the severe consequences for current and future generations.

FAQs

Q1. What is noise pollution?

Ans: A condition caused by noise generated in the environment by animals, humans, or machines that disturbs other humans or animals

Q2. What are the types of pollution?

Ans: Four types of pollution Air pollution Water pollution Noise pollution, and Land pollution.

Q3. Which cancer is caused by air pollution?

Ans: Lung cancer and many other diseases occur.