Introduction
Pollution has been posing serious threats to human health and the environment. The major pollutants include particle pollution (tiny particles like dust, smoke, or dirt), ground-level ozone (effects of pollution from vehicles, factories, and other industries), carbon monoxide (inodorous gas from burning fossil fuels), sulphur oxides (effects of pollution largely from burning of oil and oil coal), nitrogen oxides (product of power plants), and lead.
Pollution has posed major challenges through decades and it has ‘serious’ written all over it. Multiple effects of pollution have always been an invisible enemy, which, now, are present everywhere.
Effects of pollution to humans
Pollution has been slipping into our body very silently and with the advent of tectonic acceptance, our mind has been immune to it but our body suffers. From air we breathe to water we drink or food we consume, contamination is what we find common amongst them. The effects of pollution have affected everyone in its path.
One of the major effects of pollution relates to the air we breathe. Since the air is contaminated due to factors such as burning of fossil fuels, mining activities, gases from industries and factories, and running vehicles, humans are bound to have respiratory problems. These respiratory issues can further lead to cardiovascular problems, increased chances of skin diseases, ozone depletion, and damage to the ecosystem.
It is when the health of blood and heart are affected. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, with most deaths occurring in people over the age of 65 years. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, are the three gases which need a closer observation. The first one is the vital cause for lung diseases, the second can lead to gum inflammation and internal bleeding, and the last one can damage lungs and create respiratory issues.
These tiny harmful particles create havoc in our body leading to many diseases and long-term sufferings. Asthma, COPD, and even cancer is what the human body has to go through. It is hard to say that we are only breathing oxygen these days. These are constant daunting reminders that strict and immediate actions are required for these effects of pollution, not only the current generation but for generations yet to come.
With increasing respiratory issues, the horrifying effects of pollution also accelerates ageing and robbing the youth from their golden period. The problem is the generation of harmful molecules that damages the cells, produces grey hair, and breaks down the collagen and elasticity of the skin. It also stresses the skin and aids in inflammation of the skin. It is not just about the outer appearance, overall health and well-being is at the target and pollution effects leave a permanent mark on our lives.
Multiple studies have showcased that pollution has adverse effects on the brain cells. One of the major effects of pollution on humans is the way it alters the communication process by hampering the neurological order. Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, and cognitive decline, all are related to hampering the neurological disorders.
Effects of pollution are insidious and it negatively affects our reproductive system as well. Exposure to harmful pollutants have shown endocrine disruptors in humans and animals. Reproductive organs and fertility is affected, damaging the hormonal balance, weakening the sperm quality, increasing pregnancy complications, and other related sexual issues.
It is not just the physical disorders; the silent suffering is through the mind. A long-term exposure to polluted environments has showcased anxiety, depression, and stress. The psychological impact and burden of living in toxic environments is obliterating. Coping mechanisms in not just physical forms but also psychological forms will be required when addressing these issues.
Raising awareness for a clean environment around us is the need of the hour. Remember we can start from this very moment and pledge to make the lives clean and better around us.
Effects of pollution on water
The introduction of toxic waste and particles into our water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, is water pollution. These disbursements into the water bodies generally occur through sewage channels, oil spills, and industry waste. In some cases, eutrophication also leads to harmful effects on the natural habitat. The consequences of water pollution are far reaching; from waterborne diseases to ecosystem damage to economic loss, the penalties are multifold.
Bacteria and virus, the outcomes of water pollution pose serious health threats on humans and animals, particularly those who rely on this non-substitute lifesaver for drinking, bathing, washing, and regular chores. Cholera, typhoid, fever, and unsafe sanitation are the immediate results of people who are in proximity to these contaminated environments. Also, the life and wildlife around these areas, then, become inhabitable for times to come.
Fish and plants are in harmony with each other beneath the surface and we humans have disrupted this coexistence as well. We have not only created havoc on the surface but beneath the surface too. Wetlands, ecosystem diversity, and creatures under these water bodies are negatively impacted by the effects of pollution.
Groundwater has been and still is a primary drinking source for millions around the globe. Landfills with chemicals and injections of harmful substances inside the surface causes irreparable damage to the groundwater. This effect of pollution is hard to compensate for as the extension of damage is insurmountable to measure.
It is not just the environmental loss; effects of pollution also trespass the economic activities. They stifle economic growth by hampering the agriculture business, businesses built around river banks, and also deteriorating the basic economic prosperity.
The waves of water pollution run through ecosystems and economies. From waterborne diseases to contaminated water bodies, the effects of pollution on water are challenging and the attention of the concerned authorities.
Effects of pollution on soil
Soil contamination is what is generally referred to as soil pollution relates to the degradation of soil due to chemicals and negative substances infused in the soil. Directly or indirectly, the soil contamination will affect the plants, which then consumed by the animals will ultimately taint the food chain. Let us understand some of the common effects of soil pollution.
Chemical waste, industrial pollutants, and heavy metals lay havoc on the crops, one of the major sources of our survival. The effects of pollution on soil makes the crops unfit for consumption eventually posing threats to life as well as the economy.
Reduced production is a by-product and becomes perpetual as reduced yielding in crops becomes a heavy economic factor for agricultural communities who are directly dependent on the same.
The natural flora and fauna are disturbed and the soil, when polluted, becomes unfit under many headers. There is a delicate natural balance beneath the surface, and deteriorating this synergy ultimately collapses the ecosystem. This leads to degraded vegetation, increase in the salinity of soil, unfit for plantation and much more.
Sustainable practices need to be followed by all the stakeholders involved. The effects of pollutants cannot be stopped immediately but can be curbed when concerned authorities and communities take charge to change. Together, we can work in harmony to nourish the soil that helps us sustain in an effective and efficient manner.
Types of pollution and their effects
Let us understand the various types of pollution and their effects on health and environment.
Type of pollution | Description | Effects of pollution |
Air pollution | Pollution that is caused by particles and harmful gases in the air. | The effects of air pollution include asthma, acid rain, global warming, and harm to crops. |
Noise pollution | Pollution that is caused by extreme noise. | The effects of noise pollution include hearing impairment, stress, and anxiety. |
Water pollution | It is the contamination of water and water bodies. | The effects of water pollution are diseases caused by water contamination, damage to aquatic life and creation of unsafe water practices. |
Soil pollution | When the soil gets degraded and it is left of no or limited use. | Due to chemicals and waste, the soil becomes harmful to humans and animals. |
Light pollution | Too much light blocking the natural darkness is called light pollution. Electronic devices and bright construction lights are a few examples. | Effects of pollution due to light disrupts the sleep cycle, creates unrest, creates confusion in animals, and involves a lot of energy consumption. |
Thermal pollution | Thermal pollution is when the water bodies become too hot, affecting the living beings in them and disturbing the ecosystem so developed. | Aquatic life gets disturbed as it can reduce the oxygen levels and changing the natural habitat of the water bodies created imbalance in the system. |
Urgency of action
The urgency on the harmful effects of pollution have never been this pressing. From air to water to food consumption, pollutants and contamination are the common denominators. The amount is so gigantic that to toll on the loss of ecosystem, livestock, and humans is practically impossible to do.
The wandering existential threat of climate change is waiting to detonate. From emissions of greenhouse gases to burning fossil fuels, industrialization, and deforestation, the threat is frightening. The vicious cycle that the effects of pollution has woven together involves a lot of sacrifice from humans and the environment.
The health care costs associated with treating pollution have adverse effects on humans, animals, and the government. It is not only the environmental challenges that are horrific but the costs attached to them. Destruction of natural resources to create spaces for industries or deforestation for further human development is a two-way sword.
The escalating crisis poses a never-seen-before challenge in front of the policy makers and governments. It is not an issue of one particular area, community, or state but a problem that requires lawmakers to industry leaders to tech experts to governments working together to solve the biggest common problem we as humans face. Through leadership and one common goal, we can navigate our way towards a better sustainable life and environments for us and generations to come.
FAQs
What are the top 7 effects of pollution?
The top effects of pollution are couching, breathing issues, headache, dizziness, environmental issues, immune system disorder and cancer.
What are the top 5 effects of water pollution?
Water pollution disrupts aquatic life and infiltrates water causing contamination of the food chain, lack of potable water, hepatitis, loss of biodiversity, and diarrhoeal diseases.
What are the 5 effects of environmental pollution?
Effects of environmental pollution include respiratory cancer, genetic toxicity, dramatis, obstructed airways, and chronic bronchitis.
What are the 7 effects of air pollution on the environment?
Air pollution is responsible for creating acid rain, damaging the plants, changing the soil chemistry, altering plan and animal growth, creating reproductive anomalies, and depletion of species of the flora and fauna.
What is the largest air pollution contributor?
The biggest contributor to air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. Burning of coal, gasoline, and oil for energy production, electricity production, or transportation is the biggest contributor.
What is PM when referring to pollution?
Particle pollution is referred to as particulate matter which is made up of tiny pieces of solids and/or liquids that are present in the air such as dust, dirt, smoke, and soot.