Environmental Pollution Effects on Humans

Posted by Save Planet Blue

Air pollution

Irritation of eyes, nose, mouth and throat
Asthma attacks
Respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing
Increased respiratory disease such as bronchitis
Reduced energy levels
Reduced lung functioning
Headaches and dizziness
Disruption of endocrine, reproductive and immune systems
Neurobehavioral disorders
Cardiovascular problems
Cancer
Premature death

Water pollution

Waterborne diseases caused by polluted drinking water:

Typhoid

Amoebiasis

Giardiasis

Ascariasis

Hookworm

Waterborne diseases caused by polluted beach water:

Rashes, ear ache, pink eye

Respiratory infections

Hepatitis, encephalitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach aches

Conditions related to water polluted by chemicals (such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals etc):

Cancer, incl. prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hormonal problems that can disrupt reproductive and developmental processes

Damage to the nervous system

Liver and kidney damage

Damage to the DNA

Exposure to mercury (heavy metal):

In the womb: may cause neurological problems including slower reflexes, learning deficits, delayed or incomplete mental development, autism and brain damage

In adults: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and even death

Other notes:

Water pollution may also result from interactions between water and contaminated soil, as well as from deposition of air contaminants (such as acid rain)

Damage to people may be caused by fish foods coming from polluted water (a well known example is high mercury levels in fish)

Damage to people may be caused by vegetable crops grown / washed with polluted water (author’s own conclusion)

Soil contamination

Causes cancers including leukaemia

Lead in soil is especially hazardous for young children causing developmental damage to the brain

Mercury can increase the risk of kidney damage; cyclodienes can lead to liver toxicity

Causes neuromuscular blockage as well as depression of the central nervous system

Also causes headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation and skin rash

Other notes:

Contact with contaminated soil may be direct (from using parks, schools etc) or indirect (by inhaling soil contaminants which have vaporized)

Soil contamination may also result from secondary contamination of water supplies and from deposition of air contaminants (for example, via acid rain)

Contamination of crops grown in polluted soil brings up problems with food security

Since it is closely linked to water pollution, many effects of soil contamination appear to be similar to the ones caused by water contamination

P/S: Prevention is better than cure

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The SAVE PLANET BLUE began as a simple idea to make it easier for the public to find environmental information. There are outstanding environmental programs, activities, initiatives, ideas, and grassroots efforts across the country but it can be difficult to sort through all of the websites and information available. As a result, important natural resources, energy savings, and pollutant reductions are lost each and every day, causing unnecessary damage to our planet.
SAVE PLANET BLUE TEAM is non-profit environmental organization that was founded in 2009 by several recent pre-graduates of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Saving the planet requires imagination, a new attitude and new way of life. It requires real information and common sense actions that people can take to make a difference

Vission

The earth is the planet given to us by God to live on. Despite what scientists might have us believe, it is the only planet in our solar system that can humanity can comfortably inhabit. The earth is a paradise for the creatures that live on it. Every species on earth has its place in the circle of life. Human beings need food, clothing, shelter to survive. All of these are provided in ample supply on God's green earth. It is an unfortunate fact the we have not taken good care of the land that has been placed in our guardianship. Hopefully, it is not too late!