Page 22 - MESCO Newsline 11th Edition

MESCO Newsline----------------------

Environmental Pollution affects

the Human Future

ow a days the word Pollution is one of a major vital Similarly, Air pollution is caused when
N discussing topic in our day to day human life. various harmful gases are released in
Environmental pollution is a broad concept which
the atmosphere from industrial
includes pollution of various biological and physical
plants and automobiles. The concept
components of the planet as a result of human activities. of water pollution includes the
Going by this concept, it can be categorized into various pollution of freshwater sources as
types. When we talk about the different types, we usually well as oceans. On one hand,
refer to the pollution of air, water, and land. What we fail to freshwater sources are being
understand, is the fact that this concept also includes noise converted to dumping grounds as a
pollution, thermal pollution, and radiation pollution. We result of industrial water pollution, and on the other, oceans are
cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this environmental issue bearing the brunt of oil spills and marine transportation.
any more, as the pollutants are being dumped in the Population growth, rapid industrial and technological
environment at a rate which far exceeds the rate at which it development, urbanization and injudicious planning without
can accommodate them. due regard to sustainable development, there have been
The effects of air pollution on humans are quite severe. It is induced a variety of changes in the environment. Human
considered the main cause of ever rising cases of respiratory activities induce such changes in the environment in the form
system problems and diseases, like asthma and cancer. As for the of pollution that cause widespread damage to the living
effects of water pollution, these include a large number of organisms in the biosphere. The result is the disruption of
water-borne diseases, ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to ecological balance, a growing threat to the entire life support
gastroenteritis and typhoid. Water Pollution effects just like the system which is rapidly facing extinction.
air we breathe, water is vital to our survival. We need clean water There is no doubt about the fact that humans play a
to drink, to irrigate our crops and the fish we eat live in the major role when it comes to pollution, but it seems like we
waters. We play in rivers, lakes and streams-we live near bodies are not aware of the fact that we ourselves are not safe from
of water. It's a precious resource that can easily be polluted and the hazardous effects of the same. All the biological and
the contamination can be transferred to us and affect our health. physical components of the planet are related to each other,
Heavy metals, pesticides, and other such contaminants can such that harm to any of these components has the tendency
also affect our body. They can cause hormonal problems and of triggering a domino effect on various other components.
even damage our nervous system. Pesticides enter our body The end result is large-scale destruction. The effects of
through the food items that we consume, especially those which environmental pollutants on humans and other life forms on
are grown in contaminated soil. The health hazards associated the planet have already started to surface, and they are only
with consumption of fruits or vegetables grown in contaminated going to worsen with time.
soil include constant headaches, nausea, and serious damage to It's high time we acknowledge the fact that we are the
the brain, liver, etc. Similarly, the effects of noise pollution include ones who are responsible for this mess, and being the most
hearing problems, sleep disturbance, mental illnesses, etc. Other intelligent species, the onus is on us to take the initiative to
than agricultural crops, soil contamination is affecting a number save our planet. The need of the hour is to get into a
of plant species growing on the planet. The fact that we are damage-control mode to save the environment. That,
dependent on plants and animals for a large number of our daily however, is only possible when we realize that the pollution
needs only implies that our existence on the planet is dependent of various biological and physical components of
on their existence. environment is affecting us and threatening our existence.
The factors which contribute to environmental pollution There are many more environmental factors that can and
exist in plenty. While air pollution is attributed to burning of fossil may negatively affect human health but man has found
fuels, water pollution is associated with drainage of waste. ingenious ways to avoid most of them. The invention of
Similarly, noise pollution is caused when the level of noise crosses refrigeration and sterilization techniques, vaccines, etc. have
certain decibels, and soil pollution or land pollution is caused as a helped us overcome all but the most dangerous.... ourselves.
result of contamination of soil due to the introduction of We live in an ecosystem where the action of one has the
chemicals in the same. The use of chemical fertilizers and potential to affect the many. This can be a good or a bad thing,
pesticides on agricultural land results in contamination of soil. depending on what the action is. Our mistakes have polluted
These chemicals stay in the soil for a long time and eventually the environment that we live in and we are waking up and
come in contact with our body through the food that we owning to the fact. We are trying to reverse the damage. The
consume, which is grown in the polluted soil. While thermal good news is that every positive action counts. The small effort
pollution is attributed to its use as coolant by power plants and you make towards a greener environment can start a healing
industries, radiation pollution is attributed to accidents involving ripple effect. We may still save what is left of our natural
radioactive substances as a result of human error. Each of these resources and make the world a better place to live in for our
causes of pollution are attributed to numerous human activities. future generation. SAVE ENVIRONMENT........SAVE LIFE......

20 The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned