All humans share everything on Earth with all living beings on the planet. Thus, no matter how far apart one living being is from another, what impacts the planet negatively potentially affects each and every species.

It is obvious that there are consequences of pollution on health and society . Pollution in our environment is one of the agents that are negative for the ecosystems in which we live, having a significant impact on the lives of people and all living beings.

Main health and social consequences of pollution

Pollution is one of the world’s major concerns because of its contribution to the destruction of the world as we have known it. It also has a serious impact on human health and the environment.

Most people think of industrial waste water pipes, oil spills or toxic waste containers left in the environment. Even so, the sources of pollution are generally more subtle and the pollution more dangerous.

When we live in an environment without pollution we have a better quality of life. There are different types of pollution, if air and water pollution stand out from them all. Below we will see what the main consequences of pollution are for health and society.

1. Water poisoning

Besides industrial waste and motor vehicles , there are other sources of pollution closer to our activity than we think. Fertilizers used in our gardens, oil discarded by the sink or used batteries without recycling are examples of this.

During heavy rains, all material can seep into the ground with water, and can poison the ecosystems in which we live, affecting plants and animals. For example, water pollution ends up affecting marine life, which is one of our food sources.

Raising farm animals also implies many problems for the subsoil because of the waste of these animals. These can provide products derived from nitrogen or phosphorus, as well as cations such as potassium or magnesium that remain fixed in the subsoil and contaminate it, harming other species in the environment.

Bacteria, viruses and parasites are also biological agents that can contaminate water used for human consumption. Pathogens can come from human or animal faecal material due to improper water treatment.

2. Harmful eating

Although not intentionally added, natural or chemical contaminants can be found in food. If they are present, it is mainly due to the result of various stages of production, processing or transport, as well as environmental contamination.

Due to environmental pollution, some heavy metals can be part of our food . Their effects depend on the concentration in which they are found and are due to their presence in a natural way or due to contamination from polluting sources such as the engines of motor vehicles.

Arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium are the main causes of environmental pollution in food naturally, but other metals or the same ones from global industrialization are added to them.

3. High pollution in cities

The consequences of pollution affect the whole population due to health issues and also at the level of society, being the most directly affected people those living in big cities . Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms observed in city people.

It is estimated that 7 million people in the world die each year from diseases related to air pollution. In urban areas with a high concentration of population is where there is more pollution, product of transport, industry, heating systems , etc.

In a city there is the emission of large quantities of gases that are harmful to our health. Scientifically, a very close relationship has been found between poor air quality in large cities and the increasing rate of disease. Of particular note are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as other organic complications, cancer, and low birth weight and complications in fetal growth.

4. Damage with physical exercise

Having air pollution is a concern even if we want to take care of ourselves by exercising. When it comes to physical activity, it is always best to do so away from the sources of air pollution. If we do not do this we can inhale many harmful particles , because we need more breaths per minute due to our body’s great demands for oxygen.

In this way, more contaminants can reach our respiratory tract, where they can remain thereafter.

If there is no possibility to go to sport outside the city, it is better to select the areas and hours with less pollution. For example, the early morning hours are more suitable for exercise, as there has been no traffic during the night. There are also people who use masks with special filters , which allows them to exercise wherever they want.

5. Development of diseases

Exposure to toxic substances, whether short or long term, has a toxicological impact on living beings, and obviously this includes us as humans .

Of the types of pollution that are major risk factors, air pollution stands out. Diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, ventricular hypertrophy, autism, retinopathy or degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have a higher incidence and progression if the person is exposed to this type of pollution. The immune system and the endocrine and reproductive systems are also damaged.

On the other hand, chemically contaminated water can also cause hormonal and reproductive problems, nervous system damage, liver and kidney damage and cancer. Being exposed to water contaminated with substances such as mercury can lead to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and even death in very high concentrations.

6. Species extinction

Pollution destroys ecosystems and destabilizes food chains, leading to the extinction of all forms of life.

Bibliographic references:

  • Díaz-Fierros Tabernero, F., Díaz-Fierros Viqueira, F. and Peña Castiñeira, F.J. (2000) Problemas y perspectivas de la sanidad ambiental. Cuadernos de Bioética, 9 (42), 169-176.
  • Ferrer A, Nogué S, Vargas F. and Castillo O. (2000). Toxicovigilance: a useful tool for public health. Med Clín, 115, 238.
  • Smith, K.R., Corvalan, C.F., Kjellstrom, T. (1999). How much global ill health is attributable to environmental factors? Epidemiology 10 (5), 573-84.
  • Weiland, S.K., Husing, A., Strachan, D.P., Rzehak, P. y Pearce, N. (2004). Climate and the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema in children. Occup Environ Med, 61(7), 609-615.