Effects on Human Health by Water Pollution 

The existence of compounds in our surroundings that damage the health of humans and other living organisms, or that damage the climate or materials is called pollution. Different forms of pollution lead to various health issues. Air and water pollution have a direct impact on human health.

Effect of Water Pollution on Human Life

Every year, millions of people contract water-borne diseases due to the intake of contaminated water, or by consuming vegetables and fruits grown in water of a bad quality. There are many harmful effects of water pollution on human health in India, including negative effects of water pollution on the human body as well as marine life. The impact of water pollution on human health in India is manifold and can affect children as well as adults.

Neurological Problems (Liver and Kidney Failure)

Drinking water that has been polluted with chemical contaminants has been linked to kidney and liver problems. Chemical contaminants like Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents have been linked to organ damage. Polluted water is known to have caused liver inflammation, renal failure, and the formation of kidney stones. Furthermore, the chemicals may aggravate other disorders that require the proper function of these organs. Some neurological issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have been associated with drinking water that has been contaminated with chemical contaminants over time.

Arsenicosis

Arsenicosis is a disease induced by long-term exposure to chemically contaminated drinking water containing trace quantities of arsenic. Arsenic poisoning is a long-term process. Exposure to this chemical can lead to cancers of the skin, bladder, lungs, and kidneys. Millions of people worldwide are affected by such problems because they drink arsenic-contaminated water.

Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning can occur when water is contaminated with lead, either through old pipes or by the discharge of dangerous chemicals into water systems. It is one of the diseases caused by water pollution that might turn fatal. Children are at higher risk because excessive levels of metal in their bodies produce a variety of health concerns, including anaemia, high blood pressure, and reproductive system disorders.

Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms are parasitic worms that are spread by drinking contaminated water or eating food that has been washed in infected water. Hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and helminths are examples of intestinal worms. These worms cause stunted growth, anaemia, and malnutrition, particularly in children. Intestinal worms afflict roughly 10% of the population, mostly children.

Schistosomiasis

Parasitic worms cause schistosomiasis to develop in the water. As a result, whenever worms are present in a body of water, they can pass through the skin of people who may be swimming, wading, or washing themselves in polluted water. They can cause infections and harm to the intestines, bladder, and liver after entering the body. Schistosomiasis worms and eggs can be found in some freshwater snails.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a condition in which the bowel movements are frequent and watery. It causes food poisoning or intestinal infection due to ingesting polluted water containing microorganisms from animal or human faeces. It is one of the most prevalent diseases caused by water pollution and is produced by water-borne bacteria, viruses, and protozoans in most cases. Diarrhoea causes dehydration, electrolyte loss, and can turn fatal  for babies and small children.

Conclusion

We have read about the harmful effects of water pollution and the impact of water pollution on human health in India. Water pollution is one of the country’s major health concerns, and is caused mainly by the purposeful or unintentional release of pollutants into the water. Our communities, economy, and, most importantly, our health depends on clean water. More than 60% of the human body is made up of water. Therefore, we require clean water to survive. Unfortunately, much of the world’s water is polluted, and it is one of the world’s most significant challenges we face today. Water contamination has various causes, and we need to take several steps to safeguard this valuable resource.