Introduction To Environmental Science, ENV101

Section 13, Summer 2024

Assigned by:
M Alamgir Z Chowdhury, Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty
School of Environmental Sciences
Independent University of Bangladesh, (IUB)

Assigned To Kazi Imtiaz Ahmed

ID No 2311853

Title Written Report of Environmental

Pollution and Its Effect on Human Health
 Introduction

Environmental pollution is a global problem that has attracted the

attention of human beings for its severe long-term consequences and it is
likely to highly influence in human health. Simply, environmental
pollution is addition of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or any form of
energy (such as heat, sound, or radioactivity) to the environment at a rate
faster than it can be dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored in
some harmless form (Nathanson. 2022). The World Health Organization
(WHO) defines pollution as "the presence in or introduction into the
environment of substances or agents (including microorganisms), which
may cause harm to human health or the living environment" (WHO,
2016). In other words, it is departure toward disequilibrium condition
from equilibrium condition in any system. Over the past couple of
decades, various sources of pollution are altering the composition of
water, air, and soil of the environment. Different chemical substances like
toxic metal, organophosphorus compounds, gases; geochemical substance
such as dust, sediment; biological organism or product, and physical
substance like heat, radiation, sound wave etc. are common pollutant that
has released intentionally or unintentionally by man into the environment.
Depending on the nature of pollutants air pollution, water pollution and
soil/ land pollution are the main types threatening the environment,
humans, plants, animals, and all living organisms. Pollution is not a new
phenomenon yet it is the world's greatest problem facing humanity and a
major cause of human morbidity and mortality and around 9 million
people every year die from pollution (Global alliance on health and
pollution [GAHP], 2019) which is one in six deaths worldwide (Fuller et
al., 2022). Additionally, low-income countries have been found more
vulnerable to environmental pollution. According to GBD 2019 Risk
Factors Collaborators [GBDRFC], (2020), about 92% of pollution related
death and the geoeconomics losses occurs in low income and middle-
income countries and South East Asia is in the worse situation and has the
highest mortality due to pollution-related diseases. In Nepal, around
54000 annual deaths have been reported only due to air pollution (WHO,
2017a). On the other hand, agriculture is the livelihood of half of the
population, the use of agricultural chemicals (pesticide, fertilizer,
herbicides) is increasing tremendously and along with this incensement of
such chemical uses, it has also increased the burden on the environment
and human health (GC & Neupane, 2019; Gyawali, 2018).
Figure 1: Top ten countries of premature
pollution-related death per year.
 Objectives

The objectives of studying environmental pollution and its effects on

human health are multi-faceted and aim to address a variety of issues that
impact both the environment and public health. Here are the primary
objectives:

Objectives:
1.Understanding Sources of Pollution:
- Identify and analyze the main sources of air, water, soil, and noise
pollution.
- Study the role of industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities in
contributing to pollution.
2. Assessing Environmental Impact:
- Evaluate the effects of different types of pollutants on ecosystems
and biodiversity.
- Investigate the impact of pollution on climate change and global
warming.
3. Evaluating Health Risks:
- Examine the direct and indirect health effects of pollutants on
humans.
- Identify vulnerable populations and regions that are most at risk.
4. Promoting Public Awareness:
- Raise awareness about the causes and consequences of
environmental pollution.
- Educate the public on ways to reduce pollution and mitigate its
effects.
5. Formulating Policies and Regulations:
- Develop guidelines and standards for pollution control and
environmental protection.
- Recommend policies to reduce emissions and waste, and promote
sustainable practices.
6. Encouraging Sustainable Development: - Promote practices and
technologies that reduce environmental impact. Support initiatives that
balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
7. Improving Health Outcomes:
- Implement public health interventions to reduce pollution
exposure.
- Monitor and improve air and water quality to enhance overall
health.
8. Research and Innovation:
- Encourage research on new methods for pollution control and
remediation.
- Support innovation in clean energy and sustainable technologies.

Effects of Environmental Pollution on Human Health:

1. Respiratory Issues:
- Exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter (PM), sulfur
dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) can cause respiratory
diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).

2. Cardiovascular diseases:
- Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks,
strokes, and hypertension due to the harmful effects of pollutants
on the cardiovascular system.

3. Cancer:
- Long-term exposure to certain pollutants, such as benzene,
asbestos, and radon, is associated with an increased risk of cancer,
particularly lung cancer.
4. Neurological Effects:
- Heavy metals like lead and mercury can affect brain development
and function, leading to cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and
neurological disorders
5. Reproductive and Developmental Effects:
- Pollutants like endocrine disruptors can interfere with
hormone function, leading to reproductive health issues and
developmental problems in children.

6. Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Contaminated water and food can lead to gastrointestinal
diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, and other infections caused
by pathogens and toxic chemicals.
7. Skin Problems:
- Exposure to polluted water and air can cause skin conditions such as
dermatitis, rashes, and other dermatological issues
8. Mental Health:
- Living in polluted environments can contribute to stress,
anxiety, and depression due to the adverse effects on physical
health and overall quality of life.

9. Premature Death:
- Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution is linked to
increased mortality rates due to chronic diseases and acute health
events.

Addressing environmental pollution and its effects on human health

requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving
governments, industries, communities, and individuals.
 Result & Discussion

While environmental pollution is not a recent occurrence, it continues to

pose the greatest challenge to humanity and remains the primary cause of
morbidity and mortality worldwide. It significantly impacts the health and
well-being of populations across the globe. Environmental factors,
including pollution, contribute to approximately 9 million deaths
annually, accounting for 16% of all global deaths (GAHP, 2019; WHO,
2022). The majority of these fatalities are observed in low- and middle-
income countries, where individuals are often exposed to higher levels of
pollution and face limited access to healthcare services. Notably, countries
with large populations such as India and China are prominently affected
due to their rapid industrialization. Additionally, Nigeria, Indonesia,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United States of America also rank among
the heavily populated nations grappling with the consequences of
pollution (Fig. 1). Conversely, Chad, the Central African Republic, and
North Korea stand out as the top three countries with the highest rates of
pollution-related deaths per 100,000 population per year, with figures of
287, 251, and 202, respectively (GAHP, 2019). Among various types of
pollution, air pollution emerges as the primary contributor to the greatest
number of deaths, followed by water pollution (Fuller et al., 2022).
However, it is important to note that the reported numbers may increase if
all pathways of chemical exposure in the environment are identified and
analyzed, as highlighted by Parvez et al. (2021). Furthermore, the impact
of pollution on mortality rates and disease burden varies across genders.
According to GBDRFC (2020), men are more susceptible to mortality
resulting from ambient air pollution, lead pollution, and occupational
pollutants, whereas women and children are at higher risk of death due to
water pollution compared to men.

Air pollution as health threats

Air pollution is a prominent environmental and public health concern,
influenced by factors such as economic development, urbanization,
energy consumption, transportation, and population growth. While
developed countries have made significant strides in reducing air pollution
levels, developing countries and those in transition continue to grapple
with relatively high levels of air pollution (Chen & Kan, 2008). Among
various forms of pollution, air pollution exhibits a higher mortality rate,
accounting for 7 million deaths annually and ranking as the fourth leading
risk factor for premature death worldwide (GAHP, 2019). Mortality rates
associated with air pollution are notably higher in developing nations
compared to developed ones. Regionally, East Asia accounts for 35
percent of annual air pollution-related deaths, followed by South Asia (32
percent), Africa (11 percent), Europe (9 percent), North and South
America (6 percent), and Australia (1.5 percent) (GAHP, 2019). In low-
income countries, household air pollution stemming from the use of solid
biomass fuels for cooking and other domestic purposes is a major health
issue, whereas ambient air pollution poses a significant challenge in
developed and industrialized nations. According to Fuller et al. (2022),
ambient air pollution was responsible for 4.5 million deaths in 2019, a
significant increase from 2.9 million deaths recorded in 2000, reflecting
both rising levels of ambient air pollution and the incidence of
noncommunicable diseases associated with air pollution. Conversely, in
developing countries, household air pollution is primarily attributed to
solid biomass fuel usage and represents a significant problem, particularly
in low-income nations (WHO, 2019a). Both ambient and indoor air
pollutants have been linked to various fatal diseases such as
cardiovascular disorders, stroke, high blood pressure, respiratory
infections, and lung cancer (WHO, 2019a) (Fig. 2). Furthermore, air
pollution has adverse implications for mental health and reduces global
life expectancy by an average of nearly three years, leading to a loss in
life expectancy (Lelieveld et al., 2020). Overall, the mortality burden
associated with air pollution is higher in less developed and moderately
developed nations. According to Fuller et al. (2022), annual deaths
attributed to ambient and household air pollution worldwide stand at 4.14
million and 2.31 million, respectively. In low-income countries, nearly
two-thirds (64%) of the infant deaths are linked to use of household
burning of solid fuels, especially hitting hardest in South Asia and Sub-
Saharan Africa and 22% of all neonatal mortality is linked to air pollution,
most of which is attributed to indoor pollution from kitchen fires (State of
Global Air [SGA], 2020). In Bangladesh, also still large percentage of the
population is living in rural areas where solid biomass fuel is a principal
source of energy that is used for domestic purposes. Such use of biomass
fuel is the major cause of household pollution. Once again in 2019,
Bangladesh as a country came in with a PM2.5 reading of 83.30 μg/m³,
that as mentioned put it in 1st place. This reading would also place it into
the middle to higher end of the ‘unhealthy’ ratings bracket, which requires
a PM2.5 reading of any number between 55.5 to 150.4 μg/m³ to be classed
as such. PM2.5 refers to any fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers
or less in diameter, and due to its extremely small size has a highly
negative effect on the health of anyone who breathes it. As such it is one
of the major components used in the calculation of overall pollution
levels, with other pollutants such as PM10 and ozone (O3) being figured
into the equation as well (IQAIR). With a shortness of oxygen available
to the body, side effects such as ischemic heart disease become possible,
something that occurs when an organ fails receive enough oxygen to keep
the tissues at a healthy and full functioning level. This can in turn have
knock on effects of increased rates of heart attacks, arrythmias, strokes,
problems related to blood pressure and an overall increase in mortality
rate. Young children who are exposed to high levels of pollution can end
up with developmental problems due to pulmonary issues, which can stunt
growth as well as cause cognitive impairments. Once children suffer from
multiple bouts of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, not only does
the child mortality rate go up, but the chance of them having lifelong
issues related to the health of their lungs and an increased susceptibility to
further respiratory ailments go up.

Figure 2: Deaths due to Diseases Linked to Air Pollution (2019)

Water Pollution and its effects on human health

Water pollution presents a significant global challenge that affects both

developed and developing countries, compromising economic growth,
socio-environmental sustainability, and the health of billions of people.
The release of organic and inorganic water pollutants from various
sources continues to escalate, with approximately 80 percent of municipal
wastewater being discharged untreated into the environment, and
industries dumping substantial amounts of heavy metals, solvents, toxic
sludge, and other wastes into water bodies annually (WWAP, 2017).
Traditional water pollutants include iron, nitrate, and trace heavy metals
such as lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.
However, with technological advancements and urbanization, emerging
water pollutants such as steroids, hormones, endocrine-disrupting
compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and
surfactants are becoming more prominent. Water pollution stands as a
leading global problem, resulting in 1.8 million deaths annually and
causing diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio,
with diarrhea being the major illness associated with water pollution each
year. Additionally, high levels of nitrates in water can lead to the
wellknown blue baby syndrome, a potentially fatal condition affecting
infants (WHO, 2019b). Globally, at least 2 billion people rely on drinking
water sources contaminated with fecal matter, with microbial
contamination from fecal contamination posing the greatest risk to
drinking water safety (WHO, 2022). Arsenic represents another
significant water pollutant with profound implications for human health.
According to the WHO (2018), at least 140 million people in 50 countries
consume water containing arsenic above the recommended levels, leading
to cancer, skin lesions, and associations with cardiovascular disease and
diabetes. Contaminants in drinking water have also been identified as a
major risk factor for digestive system cancers (Xu, Xing, Wang, & Xiao,
2019). Furthermore, exposure to water pollutants during pregnancy and
early childhood has been linked to adverse effects on cognitive
development and increased mortality in young adults (WHO, 2018).
SAARC nations, including Nepal, have reported contamination of surface
and groundwater sources with coliforms, harmful metals, arsenic, and
pesticides, resulting in various public health problems in the region
(Azizullah, 2011). The peripheral rivers surrounding Dhaka city and the
canals inside it are highly polluted. The River Buriganga, which runs past
Dhaka City and linked rivers (Turag, Tongi Khal, Balu, Sitalakkhya and
Dhaleswari) receives about 60,000 m3 toxic waste/day, discharged mainly
from the major industrial zones (DEPZ, Narayanganj, Tongi, Hazaribagh,
Tejgaon, Tarabo, Savar, Gazipur and Ghorashal). Intensive abstraction
from the Dupi Tila aquifer, which is the major source of water supply in
Dhaka city, has led to induced recharge from rivers and enhanced vertical
leakage from regions containing contaminated land. Thus, low quality
water has invaded the aquifer from a polluted stretch of river. In
Bangladesh, majority of the people rely on groundwater for drinking.
Hence, we have calculated HQ and ILCR for ingesting heavy metal
through drinking the groundwater. No significant health risk is expected
if the value of HQ is less than one. If the HQ value exceeds one (HQ > 1),
adverse noncarcinogenic health is anticipated to the exposed residents. In
the groundwater of Rajshahi city the HQ for Mn (3.8) and Pb (12.23) is
found to be very high, indicating significant non-carcinogenic induced
health impact will be occur by drinking this polluted water. The HQ for
Mn (5.45) and Cr (1.14) in the groundwater of Singair, Manikgonj , Mn
(1.71) in Lakshmipur is also more than one. In coal mine area, Dinajpur
the HQ for all of the studied metals are less than 1 in the studies conducted
in the time of 2010 to 2014. However, in another study for the same area,
the HQ for Mn (4.12) is very high. The HQ for all of the studied metals
are found to be less than 1 for Hazaribagh tannery, Faridpur, Damurhuda
in Chuadanga , indicating no significant health impact may occur by
drinking the ground water of those areas. Cancer risk (ILCR) for Pb, Cd,
Ni and Cr intake through drinking ground water were calculated, as these
metals are categorized as potential carcinogens by the International
Agency for Research on Cancer. ILCR will be considered as significant,
if the estimated ILCR is>1 × 10–4. The ILCR value for Cr, Ni in the ground
water of coal mine area, Dinajpur, Cd in Hazaribagh tannery, Ni, Cr in
Singair, Manikgonj, Cd in Rajshahi city, Ni, Cd in Damurhuda,
Chuadanga is found to be higher than 1 × 10 –4 (from 18.2 × 10−3 to 1.32
× 10−3). Hence, potential concern to develop cancer in the people's
lifetime exists by drinking the groundwater of those areas. The presence
of emerging pollutants may also be a serious threat to public health in near
future. The analysis on surface and groundwater pollution and health risk
will help people to think to end the neglect of pollution and to focus the
counties' attention onto the silent threat of pollution-related diseases. The
presence of emerging pollutants may also be a serious threat to public
health in near future. The analysis on surface and groundwater pollution
and health risk will help people to think to end the neglect of pollution
and to focus the counties' attention onto the silent threat of pollution
related diseases. The presence of emerging pollutants may also be a
serious threat to public health in near future.
 Conclusion

Pollution remains a significant contributor to human mortality worldwide,

with low-income countries being disproportionately affected. The
ongoing processes of industrialization, urbanization, and construction
activities continue to exacerbate the issue on a daily basis. In addition,
countries like Nepal also contend with indoor air pollution and
contamination of water sources. The indiscriminate use of pesticides by
Nepalese farmers, driven by the demand for increased food production per
unit of land, poses a long-term threat to both the environment and human
health. Efforts must be made to raise mass awareness about the detrimental
effects of air and water pollution. Programs should be initiated to support
impoverished families in replacing traditional cooking stoves with cleaner
alternatives, thereby reducing household air pollution. It is crucial to
foster coordination among various agencies and provide assistance and
incentives for the adoption of plant-based and biological pesticides.
Supporting integrated pest management practices and promoting organic
farming can help minimize pesticide usage in agriculture. Furthermore, a
comprehensive national and international approach should be devised and
implemented collaboratively to address pollution effectively, leading to a
reduction in associated healthcare costs.
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