Water pollution has become a major problem all around the globe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 1.7 billion people in the world are drinking polluted water. This can cause serious health issues both in the short and long term and can even be fatal in some cases.
This is why it is necessary for everyone to get the necessary information regarding the issue of water pollution and effective solutions to deal with it. In this Frizzlife blog, we are going to discuss some of the most potential health dangers of drinking polluted along with some solutions to deal with it.
Also, read our recent post about What’s Likely to be Lurking into the Tap Water
Causes of Water Pollution
Before knowing the potential dangers of drinking contaminated water, it will be good if you understand the sources through which water becomes polluted. Some of the common causes are discussed below:
1. Industrial waste:
Our earth is becoming an industrial state; you will often see a number of different industries in almost every area around the world. The increase in industries is good for the economy but not for the nature.
This is so because industries produce a wide range of pollutants, including toxic chemicals, metals, viruses, etc. These contaminants can get their way into underground water sources and end up making the natural water polluted.
2. Agriculture:
Agriculture is also considered one of the major sources of water pollution. The reason is that many farming techniques involve the use of chemicals and fertilizers that are likely to contaminate nearby sources. The chemicals and fertilizers are often loaded with toxic bacteria and pathogens that can make people sick.
3. Sewage or wastewater:
When sewage or wastewater from homes or businesses is discharged into the water sources without properly treating it, it can contaminate the natural water and make it completely unsafe for both drinking and cooking purposes.
Sewage or wastewater can be a general problem in areas with inadequate sanitation systems or areas where sewage treatment facilities are not available.
These are some of the main sources through which the water becomes polluted. Now, let’s head towards the dangers.
Dangers of Drinking Polluted Water – Both Short & Long Terms
In this section, we will be discussing both the short-term and long-term effects of drinking polluted water.
Short-term effects:
1. Gastrointestinal problems:
When you drink polluted water regularly, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, etc. All these can be dangerous for both young children and the elderly. This is so because these can lead to dehydration or other serious health complications if not handled on time.
2. Rashes or skin irritations:
This is yet another short-term effect of drinking polluted water. The chemicals and contaminants that polluted water contains, may absorbed by the human body, resulting in rashes or skin irritation. This can be especially true for people who have sensitive skin or suffer from specific skin diseases.
3. Respiratory problems:
Drinking polluted water can also result in respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing. This is so because when you drink contaminated water, the toxic impurities will be inhaled into your body.
These are some short-term effects of drinking polluted water; now, let’s get familiar with the long-term ones.
Long-term effects:
1. Possibility of cancer:
Exposure to specific contaminants in polluted water for a prolonged period of time can increase the risk of cancer. Let us explain this with an example so that you can easily understand what we have just said.
According to medical experts, exposure to arsenic in drinking water can increase the chances of skin, bladder, lung, or kidney cancer.
2. Spoil the human nervous system:
Some specific impurities in the polluted water can also cause damage to the human nervous system. For instance, lead is a common contaminant found in polluted water, and consuming it regularly in the form of water can result in developmental delays in kids and cognitive impairment in adults.
3. Harmful for lungs, kidneys, and other organs:
Doctors also claim that drinking polluted water continuously for a long period of time can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys, and other essential organs of the human body. For example, calcium is one contaminant whose exposure is linked to kidney problems.
These are some short and long-term side effects of drinking polluted water. However, keep this mind that the health effects will vary depending on the type or level of contaminants that your water contains.
What You Can Do About Water Pollution – Different Ways
Below are some of the things that you can do to prevent the water from becoming polluted.
1. Proper disposal of wastage:
In order to prevent your water from being polluted, it is necessary to properly dispose of household waste like sewage, motor oils, and other things. Not just this, it would be better if you make sure the industries near your home properly dispose of their produced waste if they do not contact the authorities.
2. Take care of water sources:
This is another way through which you can ensure the water is completely safe from contaminants. You should regularly maintain water sources like your home’s pipelines, water storage tanks, and many more. You should ensure they are from any debris, sediment, or corrosion.
3. Make use a water filter:
No, how polluted your water is, by filtering it with a water filtration system, you can make it completely safe to drink and use. There is a huge variety of water filters available on the internet, ranging from simple to more advanced ones.
However, keep this in mind: the effectiveness of filtration will depend on the quality of your water filter. Due to this reason, it is highly recommended to make your choice wisely.
4. Use of chemical treatments:
Finally, you can also use different chemicals to efficiently treat polluted water. For example, you can make use of chlorine to make the water safe. However, you need to add the right dose of chlorine to the water; anything up or down can make it too toxic.
Key Takeaways:
Most of the groundwater all the world is polluted with toxic contaminants. And consuming it regularly can increase the chances of potential diseases like cancer, damaged nervous system, etc. It is essential to understand the danger of drinking polluted water so that they can take the necessary steps to deal with it.