Pollution has become one of the greatest issues facing the world today, causing irreparable damage to the environment and human quality of life. Recent studies show, pollution kills roughly nine million people a year and affects the health of more than 200 million people worldwide. Defined as the contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms, pollution is at an all-time high. There are several types of pollution from various sources each having different consequences, all of which can be linked to major health issues. Whether it be a result of growing population numbers and increase in urbanization, or limitations in undeveloped areas, the need to acknowledge and address the health risks associated
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In efforts to grow economically and reduce poverty levels, developing countries are making industrialization a priority and not considering the environmental issues. Decisions such as these create toxic living conditions for the people in the area. In these low-income areas, the recourses to combat the effects of pollution are not readily available. This leaves much of the water, air and soil contaminated for its inhabitants. Although the negative impact of pollution is much higher in lower income areas, it is still an important issue in larger wealthier cities as well. For most of the more developed world, regulations are set in place to manage and combat high levels of pollution. However, the threat of pollution-caused illnesses still exists and should not be ignored. “Pollution deserves just as much attention as infectious diseases. And, the global response to pollution deserves the same degree of rigor as has been applied to such infectious diseases as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Focus by the international community on environmental pollution can save the lives of millions, cost effectively and predictably. The need is great. The time is …show more content…
Among those metals are lead (PB), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As). These metals exist broadly throughout the environment and are thought to be the most toxic of the heavy metals associated with human health. “With the development of industrialization and urbanization, heavy metal contamination is a major environmental problem that affects organism’s metabolism in ecosystems due to its high toxicity, prevalence, and persistence in existence.” The introduction of heavy metal pollution into the human body can happen in several ways. For instance, lead can be introduced through both the air and through food consumption. Cadmium is found in rechargeable nickel based batteries as well as cigarette smoke. A major source of mercury is through certain foods, especially fish. Mercury can also be found in thermometers, barometers, and instruments used for taking blood pressure. Chromium is found abundantly in many every-day items such as cement, anti-freeze, porcelain, ceramic, and even in tattoos. Arsenic is a very widespread metal and can be found in soil, water, and air. The health risks in areas where arsenic is present are high. From eating the food grown in the soil, to drinking the water in the area, and simply breathing the air, one would be at risk for several health issues including cancer. Each heavy metal alone could create a long
In efforts to grow economically and reduce poverty levels, developing countries are making industrialization a priority and not considering the environmental issues. Decisions such as these create toxic living conditions for the people in the area. In these low-income areas, the recourses to combat the effects of pollution are not readily available. This leaves much of the water, air and soil contaminated for its inhabitants. Although the negative impact of pollution is much higher in lower income areas, it is still an important issue in larger wealthier cities as well. For most of the more developed world, regulations are set in place to manage and combat high levels of pollution. However, the threat of pollution-caused illnesses still exists and should not be ignored. “Pollution deserves just as much attention as infectious diseases. And, the global response to pollution deserves the same degree of rigor as has been applied to such infectious diseases as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Focus by the international community on environmental pollution can save the lives of millions, cost effectively and predictably. The need is great. The time is …show more content…
Among those metals are lead (PB), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As). These metals exist broadly throughout the environment and are thought to be the most toxic of the heavy metals associated with human health. “With the development of industrialization and urbanization, heavy metal contamination is a major environmental problem that affects organism’s metabolism in ecosystems due to its high toxicity, prevalence, and persistence in existence.” The introduction of heavy metal pollution into the human body can happen in several ways. For instance, lead can be introduced through both the air and through food consumption. Cadmium is found in rechargeable nickel based batteries as well as cigarette smoke. A major source of mercury is through certain foods, especially fish. Mercury can also be found in thermometers, barometers, and instruments used for taking blood pressure. Chromium is found abundantly in many every-day items such as cement, anti-freeze, porcelain, ceramic, and even in tattoos. Arsenic is a very widespread metal and can be found in soil, water, and air. The health risks in areas where arsenic is present are high. From eating the food grown in the soil, to drinking the water in the area, and simply breathing the air, one would be at risk for several health issues including cancer. Each heavy metal alone could create a long