How Can Pollution Affects Us?

Pollution is a common word that we hear nowadays. Be it school, college or work – pollution inevitably makes its way up to our conversations. Why is that so? The world has sat up recently and taken notice of the degradation of the planet earth. Now there is a continuous effort to spread awareness about the environment so that we can stem the rot and if possible, reverse it.  

What is pollution?

When pollutants contaminate your natural environment, pollution occurs. Once pollution sets in, changes occur in the surroundings that impact our health in an adverse manner. With rapid modernization taking place around us, pollution has reached very severe levels and caused major problems like global warming. 

There are many ways in which pollution occurs – 

• Water

• Air

• Soil

• Noise

• Light

There are other forms of pollution too like radioactive and thermal but they are not very common. 

Each pollution type develops from two types of sources – point and non-point. Point sources can be easily controlled and monitored while non-point sources are difficult to contain.

Let us look at the causes of various types of pollution and its effects on human health –

1. Air pollution

Burning of fossil fuels in transportation and electricity generation is the chief source of air pollution. Another major source is the use of fertilizer for agricultural purposes, which contributes heavily to particulate air pollution. Agricultural products like pesticides and fungicides not only cause air pollution but also water pollution. 

Effects of air pollution on human health

When air pollution reaches severe levels then your risk of heart attacks, wheezing and asthma attacks increase. You may also see symptoms like eye and nose irritation. 

If you already have problems like asthma then it can further aggravate the symptoms and cause complications. Acid rain – a product of air pollution – also causes damage to your skin. The skin is a very sensitive organ and because acid rain contains a high concentration of sulphuric and nitric acids, it can limit the functioning of the skin.

2. Water pollution

The causes of water pollution are untreated wastewater and fertilizers. The water from these sources is nutrient heavy, which promotes algae and weed growth in water. This makes the water undrinkable. Industrial waste that contains lead, mercury, and phosphates also contaminate the water. In some countries, solid waste is dumped into the sea.

Effects of water pollution on human health

Water pollutants like mercury and cadmium are consumed by fishes, which in turn are consumed by humans. Both these contaminants can cause serious problems for human health. Algae in drinking water can cause stomach problems, rashes, nerve, and breathing disorders.

Even compounds called disinfectants used to treat algae water react and form dioxins. Dioxins can cause reproductive disorders and cancer.

Babies drinking water that contains nitrates can suffer breathing difficulties, which can be fatal.

3. Soil pollution

Insensible agriculture is the main cause of soil pollution. Excessive usage of pesticides and fertilizers causes irreparable damage to the soil. Improper disposal of solid waste and overexploitation of minerals are some of the other soil pollution causes.

Effects of soil pollution on human health

The primary side effects of air pollution are respiratory problems, skin problems, and cancer. Pollutants from the soil make their way into your body through the fruits and vegetables you eat.
 

4. Noise and light pollution

The usual culprits of noise pollution are industries, vehicles, social events etc. Light pollution is caused by excessive usage of artificial lighting from billboards, streetlights and even your smartphone.

Effects of noise pollution on human health

When you are exposed to noise pollution, incidences of anxiety, irritable moods and headaches will go up. It can also damage your hearing.

Effects of light pollution on human health

The most prominent effect of light pollution is a disturbed sleep cycle. This is because excessive light exposure reduces a hormone called melatonin – a hormone that helps you sleep. It can also cause fatigue and restlessness.

To conclude, pollution is an evil that we need to check right away. If we don’t right now then it may take us to a point of no return.