Water is a basic necessity for all living beings, and most people worldwide do not have access to clean water. This lack of access to clean water can cause severe health issues if consumed over a long period. The following are some common conditions that arise due to contaminated water:
Neurological Effects
Neurological effects can include brain damage, seizures, coma, and death. The neurologic effects of arsenic poisoning are most often observed in children and infants because they drink water more frequently than adults.
The neurological effects of contaminated water can vary from person to person. Some people may be more likely to develop these symptoms than others. For instance, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and benzene. These chemicals can cause neurobehavioral disorders. Those who lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 to 1987 suffered severe neurobehavioral effects because they were exposed to contaminated water for an enhanced period. Researchers found that the neurobehavioral effects on Camp Lejeune victims are a result of contamination from the water supply.
The neurological effects are on the rise because people are continuously inhaling and ingesting toxic substances worldwide, directly or indirectly. The numbers speak it all. According to a report by the WHO, the global issue of neurological problems may reach more than 100 million by 2030.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal problems are also a common problem, especially in areas where there is a poor sanitation system. Diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid are all gastrointestinal infections from consuming contaminated water. In addition, waterborne pathogens can cause diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration and death. Some examples of pathogenic bacteria that cause gastrointestinal diseases include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Vibrio cholerae (causes cholera), and Salmonella typhi (causes typhoid fever).
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory diseases are one of the most common health issues caused by contaminated water. Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and influenza can spread quickly in areas with little or no drinking water treatment. A report states that in 2019 more than 500,000 deaths were reported in the American region due to respiratory issues.
Parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium usually cause these types of illnesses. These parasites live in the intestines of humans and animals and cause diarrheal illness after being swallowed. Similarly, amoeba infections occur when people swim in warm freshwater lakes and rivers during periods when it’s hot outside. These types of infections can cause meningitis or encephalitis. They both are fatal conditions if left untreated.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, which causes pain and loss of movement.
The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both result from damage to the joint cartilage or bone.
As per reports in the US, around 21% of adults were diagnosed with arthritis in 2020. Thus, if you have been drinking contaminated water for a long time, you may be at risk of developing arthritis and other severe health conditions.
Cancer
Cancer can be caused by genetic changes or damage to DNA which then causes the body to grow new cells without control. The mutation may happen due to a virus or chemical in the environment. Cancer occurs when an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells happens that grows and spreads, affecting other parts of the body. Cancers can emerge in any part of the body. It can occur in the skin, blood and lymph system, liver, etc., but most often begin in tissues inside organs.
A common cause of cancer is exposure to chemicals and radiation over time. It is a chronic disease or long-term exposure because it takes several years for symptoms to appear after being exposed repeatedly before developing into full-blown cancerous tumors.
Heart Disease
Heart Disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It can be caused by long-term consumption of contaminated water. In this condition, the heart muscle is damaged or weakened, which may lead to heart failure. A healthy heart pumps blood efficiently, while an unhealthy one fails to do so. Heart disease affects both men and women, but it’s more common among people of advanced age and those who have high blood pressure or diabetes.
Skin Irritation and Infections
Skin irritation and infections can occur due to the long-term consumption of contaminated water. Skin rashes are a common symptom of skin irritation and may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Skin infections are also referred to as dermatitis or infectious eczema and can be caused by microorganisms that enter the body through an open wound or broken skin.
Skin infections can be painful because they damage your outer layer of skin, which acts as a barrier against infection. Skin infections are common among people having poor hygiene practices, such as not washing their hands regularly, bathing infrequently, and not changing their clothes often enough.
Contaminated Water is a Serious Health Hazard
Contaminated water is a serious health hazard. It can cause many diseases and long-term health problems, including death. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions to avoid drinking contaminated water.
You should never consume any water that looks or tastes odd because it could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It also applies to ice cubes made from tap water and even bottled mineral water. If the bottle has been sitting out for too long, you should throw it away.
In addition to avoiding drinking contaminated water, you should make sure that your household avoids consuming any food or beverages prepared with tap water. To be extra safe, consider using bottled mineral waters from reputable brands instead of tap water when preparing meals at home.
There are many ways that people can get sick from drinking it, and it only takes one drop of the wrong substance to cause an infection or illness. The best way to avoid this is to ensure your water is safe before using it.
