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9 Life threatening Diseases Caused by Water Pollution

What are Water Pollution Diseases?

Where are the Causes of Water Pollution Diseases?

9 Diseases Caused by Water Pollution in Humans

What are the Water Pollutants that Cause Diseases?

The introduction of undesirable substances in the water that alters the normal water concentration causes water pollution. Generally, two major categories of pollutants contaminate water:

Pollutants Description
Chemicals It comprises organic and inorganic pollutants. Both are discharges from sewage and industrial effluents. Inorganic pollutants such as sulphates, cyanides, phosphates, nitrates, and mercury threaten aquatic flora, fauna, and human health. These pollutants are highly mutagenic, Non-biodegradable and carcinogenic. Organic pollutants include pesticides, fertilisers, agricultural run-off, and debris carried to water bodies from the land.
Pathogen Pathogens like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses are common pollutants responsible for numerous outbreaks like cholera, dysentery, etc. The most common pathogenic bacteria are coliform and E. coli bacteria. Furthermore, the agricultural sector disposes of the bulk of waste in the water.

In addition to these contaminants, industries and individuals dump other hazardous water pollutants, including faecal waste, plastics, and radioactive elements,  in the water body. The sources of coastal water contamination include oil spills.

What are the Harmful Effects of Water-Borne Diseases?

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Water Pollution

Risk Factors Associated with Diseases Caused by Water Pollution

The rapid growth of population and industrialisation contributes to the entire equation of water pollution. Millions of people face the wrath of the diseases caused by drinking polluted water.

Risk Description
Impacts of Contaminated Water Pathogens and chemicals are increasing in the water body with every passing day. Presence of contaminants leads to severe health problems. Diseases caused by polluted water affect infants, pregnant women, aged persons, and individuals with ruptured immunity systems because of AIDS, chemotherapy, etc.
Radiation Exposure Furthermore, radioactive wastes dumped in the water body cause diseases like cancer, acute radiation syndrome, etc. Radionuclides get into groundwater; they break down and emit harmful alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Alpha particles, when ingested, damage internal cell tissue.
Water-Borne Bacterial Infections Water-borne bacterial infection often results in severe gastroenteritis. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramping, etc. Chronic health effects of exposure to inorganic arsenic involve lung cancer, bladder cancer, and Blackfoot disease; it also causes heart disease.
Nitrate Poisoning Chemicals like Nitrates are converted to Nitrites by certain bacteria present in our intestine, resulting in severe water pollution-related diseases like nitrate poisoning. Long-term exposure can result in conditions like methemoglobinemia, characterised by the blue colouration of skin, severe headaches, breathing troubles etc. An extreme form of the disease may lead to seizures and possibly leading to death.
Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) Moreover, severe exposure to DBPs (Disinfection By-Products) may result in bladder cancer, colon or rectal cancer, blood and even brain cancer. It also lowers the birth weight of infants and results in shortened pregnancies and short body structure. Diseases spread through water pollution lead to an unfortunate and threatening outcome.

How to Diagnose Diseases Caused by Water Pollution?

Diagnosing diseases caused by water pollution involves several steps, including clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Here’s a general approach to the diagnostic process:

Diagnosis 

Description

Medical History and Symptom Review

The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms (such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or abdominal pain) and any recent exposure to potentially contaminated water.

Physical Examination

The provider will conduct a physical exam to check for signs of dehydration, fever, or other symptoms related to the illness.

Laboratory Tests

  • Stool Tests: For detecting pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., Vibrio cholerae), parasites (e.g., Giardia lamblia), or viruses.

  • Blood Tests: To identify markers of infection, dehydration, or specific antibodies indicating exposure to pathogens.

  • Urine Tests: These tests may be used to assess dehydration levels or kidney function.

Water Testing

Analysis of water samples from the suspected source can identify contaminants like bacteria, viruses, or chemical pollutants.

Imaging Studies

In severe cases, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scans may be used to detect complications or assess the extent of the disease.

Epidemiological Investigation

Tracking the outbreak and checking if others are affected can help identify the source and confirm the diagnosis.

These steps help diagnose waterborne diseases accurately and determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment Methods for Water Pollution Diseases

What are the Preventive Measures to Control Disease Caused by Water Pollution?

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Water Pollution?

FAQs about Diseases by Water Pollution