Polluted Water: What Are the Risks?
The world is a polluted place. In fact, the water that we drink every day contains toxic chemicals and pollutants. It can be difficult to know which countries have the most unsafe drinking water because there are so many sources of pollution in today’s world. But it’s essential to stay informed about what you’re putting into your body.
In this post, we’ll talk about some of the risks associated with polluted water and how you can protect yourself from these dangers. Remember that many harmful water pollutants are out there, so we best defend ourselves early on.
Infection
We can get injured even at home from knife cuts, stubbed toe, a bad fall down the stairs, etc., and if the open wound becomes infected, it can become life-threatening.
Drinking water that is polluted with bacteria and viruses puts us at risk of developing a wide range of infections, many of which can be deadly. So, we best avoid using polluted water to clean our wounds.
Diarrhea
One of the most common gastrointestinal diseases is diarrhea, caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water. It often results in severe dehydration and even death, especially in young children and the elderly. In fact, it’s estimated that around 760,000 people die from diarrhea-related illnesses every year.
Cancer
There are many types of cancer, and all of them can be caused by different factors like smoking, sun exposure, or pollution. Some water pollutants have been linked with an increased risk of cancer. For example, arsenic is a carcinogen that can cause skin, bladder, and lung cancer. Hexavalent chromium is another carcinogen found in drinking water that has been linked to stomach cancer.
Poisoning
Since ancient times, water poisoning has been around and is still a risk, especially for children. It’s very common to see cases of poisoning in developing countries due to a lack of access and knowledge about the dangers that drinking unsafe water can bring.
Lower IQ
There has been some controversy surrounding pregnant women and how their exposure the pollutants in polluted water may cause lower brain development in unborn babies. A study in Cincinnati found that children born to mothers who were exposed to high levels of lead while pregnant had IQs up to five points lower than those whose mothers weren’t.
These are just a few examples of the risks associated with polluted water. It’s essential to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. You can start by using a water filter to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants from your drinking water. Stay safe.
