Awareness about causes and effects of pollution is very important for modern humans. In this article, I will try to explain the causes and effects of pollution in very simple words. The definition of pollution refers to the presence or spreading of any substance or thing into the environment that has harmful or having negative effects on the natural world and living organisms. Pollution is caused by a variety of factors that release harmful substances into the environment. Some of the most common causes of pollution are described below.
CAUSES OF POLLUTION
Industrial Activities:
One of the common cause of pollution is the industries that manufacture products or provide services often release pollutants into the air, water, and soil. This includes emissions from factories, power plants, and transportation.
Agricultural Activities:
Agriculture can also be a major source of pollution, particularly through the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals that can contaminate soil and water.
Household Activities:
Household activities such as cooking, cleaning, and heating can also contribute to pollution. This includes emissions from stoves, furnaces, and other appliances.
Waste Disposal:
Improper disposal of waste, including garbage, hazardous materials, and sewage, can contaminate the environment and lead to pollution.
Transportation:
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can contribute to air pollution.
Natural Causes:
Some forms of pollution can also occur naturally, such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms.
Overall, pollution is caused by human activities that release harmful substances into the environment, and addressing these causes requires a concerted effort to reduce or eliminate these activities and adopt more sustainable practices.
EFFECTS OF POLLUTION:
Pollution can have significant negative effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment. Here are some of the most common effects of pollution:
Health Effects:
The air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, lung cancer, heart attack and strokes. WHO has also made a video report on the effects of air pollution on human body. To watch the video click on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVBeY1jSG9Y.
If we talk about Water pollution, no doubt, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems and infections, while soil pollution can cause skin irritation and other health issues.
Biodiversity Loss:
Pollution can harm wildlife and natural ecosystems, causing species to become endangered or go extinct. This can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem, affecting other species that depend on them for survival.
Climate Change:
Pollution, particularly the release of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels, is a significant contributor to climate change, which can lead to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea level rise. And this is itself a major cause of global warming which has also discussed in the article “Global Warming”.
Water Scarcity:
Pollution of water bodies can make them unfit for human consumption, which is leading to water scarcity and a variety of health problems.
Environmental Degradation:
Pollution can degrade the environment, damaging soil, water, and air quality, and making it difficult for plants and animals to thrive.
Overall, pollution can have significant negative effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment. It is important to take steps to at least minimize the causes and effects of pollution to protect the planet and ensure a healthy future for all humans in this world.
By: Sadiq Ameen