Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing challenges and the most serious threats facing humanity in the modern era, endangering the stability of the planet. It poses a significant crisis to the environment and represents a major threat to biodiversity and public health, given its direct and indirect effects on both humans and ecosystems. Therefore, understanding the relationship between pollution and public health is of critical importance.
The term "environmental pollution" refers broadly to the introduction of any polluting substance—whether solid, such as waste; liquid, such as wastewater; gaseous, such as carbon monoxide; or forms of energy like heat or radiation—into the environment, causing undesirable changes in natural resources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 99% of the global population breathes air that is contaminated with multiple pollutants each year, resulting from industrial activities, transportation, agriculture, and waste mismanagement.
Types of Environmental Pollution
1. Air Pollution
Air pollution is among the most widespread and dangerous forms of pollution affecting public health. It results from the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere, such as:
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)
• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
These airborne pollutants pose serious health risks, especially because approximately 94% of the global population is exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution, and 40% are exposed to levels considered hazardous. According to 2022 global statistics, air pollution is one of the leading environmental health risks worldwide. It is strongly linked to health issues including cancer, pneumonia, and respiratory diseases.
Major contributors include:
• The burning of fossil fuels (e.g., oil and natural gas) for energy
• Open-air burning of waste
• Poor industrial practices lacking environmental safeguards
Solutions to air pollution primarily involve the adoption of clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, in addition to technologies that reduce emissions and smoke production.
2. Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances or pollutants alter the natural characteristics of water, making it unfit for drinking, domestic use, agriculture, or industry. It is considered a critical threat to life, with major pollutants including:
• Chemical contaminants
• Microorganisms
• Waste and suspended solids
The primary cause of water pollution is the high solubility of water, which allows it to easily absorb various pollutants. Key contributors include pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste.
3. Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is caused by the accumulation of toxic substances such as:
• Chemical fertilizers
• Pesticides
• Heavy metals like arsenic and lead
These pollutants reach dangerously high levels that can harm living organisms and disrupt ecosystems, posing serious risks to food safety and human health. Indirectly, water pollution can also transfer metals and toxins through the food chain—particularly through fish tissue accumulation—leading to chronic illnesses and potentially death. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable populations [2].
Wider Effects of Pollution
In addition to health impacts, pollution has economic and social consequences. The direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with pollution can significantly reduce productivity and widen the economic disparity between developed and developing nations.
As a response, various organizations have enacted strict environmental laws and regulations to prevent pollutants from entering the environment. These include:
• Implementing pollution treatment projects before discharge
• Promoting clean energy as a substitute for fossil fuels
• Supporting scientific research and innovation, such as using algae, fungi, and bacteria to convert pollutants into valuable resources or clean energy
Public awareness plays a critical role. Effective approaches include:
• Recycling programs
• Preserving clean air, water, and soil
• Reducing everyday pollution behaviors
Other Pollution Sources
Oil spills also contribute significantly to the pollution of seas and oceans due to offshore oil extraction. Additionally, radioactive waste from nuclear power plants poses a severe threat as it can persist in environments like water bodies for thousands of years without a viable method for removal.
Therefore, international organizations urge collaborative efforts between countries to leverage innovative research and technologies for pollution reduction. For instance:
• Solid waste can be transformed into useful gases for daily use, reducing reliance on raw materials
• Advanced systems can be developed to monitor water quality and detect contamination in real-time, allowing swift and effective responses
Conclusion
Environmental pollution is both an ecological and public health emergency. Addressing it requires decisive action and the implementation of effective solutions by individuals, institutions, and governments alike. Promoting environmentally responsible behavior and protecting natural resources are essential for ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations.
References:
[1] World Health Organization, WHO (2021) global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
[2] Lin, L.; Yang , Y.; Xiaocang, X. 2and (2020).Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health and Disease Heterogeneity: A Review article Front. Environ. Sci.: 10 https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.880246.