Pollution

Pollution is any undesirable change in the environment. It is caused by the release or addition of toxic substance into the air, water or soil, which may harm or kill the living organisms.

Air pollution

The air surrounding us is polluted by the emission of smoke from cars, buses, Lorries and factories. Some industries also add heavy dust and poisonous chemicals to the air.

Automobile exhaust is one of the major sources of air pollution in big cites. The exhaust contains carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, particulate matter and partially burned hydrocarbons. They are called pollutions. All these pollutants are highly harmful to human heath. Modern vehicles have improved technology to reduce the level of the pollutants in the air.

Air pollution and disease 

Asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to pollutants in the air. Air pollution may lead to several diseases in human beings, such as allergies, asthma and lung diseases. Silicosis or asbestosis is an allergic reaction to the presence of silica or asbestos in the air.

Plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Air pollution can be reduced by planting more trees in our locality and taking care of them. 

Pollution of water
Water is polluted by dumping domestic and industrial wasted and sewage into water. The polluted water becomes a breading ground for germs.

Short- terms effects

Diseases like diarrhea, jaundice, typhoid, cholera and amoebic dysentery are caused by infected water. When we drink the infected water we become ill.

To avoid water- borne infections

a)    Avoid roads side food
b)    Drink filtered, boiled water
c)    Avoid fruit juice/ soft drinks for which you do not know the water source or preparation.

Long- term effects

Because the water seeps into the ground, the ground water is contaminated. As a result of chemicals like fluorine, arsenic and lead in the water, non-communicable diseases like skin rash, lack foot disease and fluorosis have become a common occurrence in states.

·    Isolate the patient or infected person from others
·    Vaccinate and immunize people against specific diseases
·    Eat a balanced diet to built up resistance
·    Wash hands before eating
·    Keep food in closed containers
·    Bathe daily