How does water pollution affect humans?

Water pollution happens when a body of water gets contaminated, usually either by chemicals or even microorganisms. Water pollution can sometimes cause water to become more toxic to humans and the environment.

Water is essential to every life on Earth. If the water gets contaminated because of pollution, it can sometimes lead to health issues like cancer or even cardiovascular conditions.

Let’s check out some of the reasons on why RO water purifiers are important and what are the sources of pollution:

Sources of Pollution

1. a)     Sewage and wastewater

After the water is used, it becomes wastewater. Wastewater can come from domestic sources  such as water from sinks, toilets, showers, or other forms like agricultural, commercial, or industrial use. Wastewater also refers to rainwater that washes oil, road salt, grease, debris, or chemicals from the ground into the waterways.

The UN also estimated that 80% of wastewater returns to the ecosystem without being treated or even reused.

1. b)     Agriculture

The agriculture industry is the biggest consumer of freshwater. It is also responsible for around 80% of the nation's water consumption. Agriculture is the main source of pollution in rivers and streams.

One way agriculture causes water pollution is through rainwater. When it rains, pollutants like fertilizers, animal waste, and pesticides get washed from the farms into waterways, contaminating the water.

Agricultural contaminants usually contain a high amount of phosphorus and nitrogen which also encourages algal blooms' growth. These blooms can produce toxins that can kill fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, as well as harm humans.

1. c)     Plastics and garbage

Of all the annual waste we produce, 10% comprises plastics. Because of the widespread use of plastics, experts estimate that 4.8–12.7 million tons of waste enter the ocean every year.

Plastic and garbage can also enter the water in numerous ways:

• Debris falling off the ships
• Trash blowing into the ocean
• Garbage swept into the sea via rivers from used items such as food packages
• People throwing their trash on to the beach

Once in the water, plastic and garbage can harm marine life and even human health. Fish can eat trash, mistake it for food, and then end up dying.

As plastic slowly breaks apart in microplastic forms, these small fragments are less than five millimeters in size. Fish can be consumed by these microplastics which can be eaten by humans.

1. d)     Oil

Oil pollution can also occur when the tankers can spill their cargo. However, oil can also enter the sea via factories, farms, and cities, as well as via the shipping industry.

1. e)     Radioactive waste

Radioactive waste can withstand in the environment for thousands of years which makes it safe for disposal. If it is improperly disposed of, it can enter the water, making it hazardous to humans, marine, and even the environment.

Effect of water pollution on human health

Here are some of the negative ways water pollution can affect human health:

1.     Ingesting microplastics

A person can ingest microplastics through drinking water or through eating contaminated seafood. Some studies have shown that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and human metabolic disorders.

1.     Consuming contaminated water through sewage

WHO has noted that globally around two billion people use drinking water sources with fecal contaminants. This contaminated water can harbor bacteria which is responsible for cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.

According to the UN, every year, approximately 297,000 children under five die from diseases linked to poor sanitation, poor hygiene, or unsafe drinking water.

1.     Drinking water from contaminated chemical waste

Chemical pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals can cause many health problems if ingested. These types of contaminated water can cause water borne diseases like rashes, hair loss, and itchy skin. Lead levels in the bloodstream among children who drank this type of water doubled.

A person who can ingest chemical toxins in their water can also be at the risk of:

• Cancer
• Hormone disruption
• Altered brain function
• Damage to immune and reproductive systems
• Cardiovascular and kidney problems

Swimming in contaminated water can also trigger:

• Rashes
• Pink eye
• Respiratory infections
• Hepatitis

Signs of drinking contaminated water

When drinking contaminated water, it can affect people's health, which may or may not present immediately. In addition, the overall health, age, and physical condition of a person also determined the extent of what is experienced. Some of the common problems experienced from drinking impure water include:

• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Intestinal or Stomach Cramping
• Intestinal or Stomach Aches and Pains
• Death