Healthy Lifestyle Radio Storytime

Seas, rivers and other sources that supply the vital liquid to human populations have also been invaded by undesirable elements from drainage and waste from the same locality affected and nearby regions.

Among the main water pollutants are:

Household waste, animal manure and food waste.
Pesticides, plastics, detergents, industrial waste and oil.
Acids, salts and toxic metals.
Ash, sand, gravel and other solids from soil erosion.
Radioactive waste from nuclear power plants and medical treatment.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Lilies, algae and other plants that prevent the circulation and oxygenation of lakes and rivers.

Globally, an estimated 80% of infectious and parasitic diseases of the digestive system, and a third of these deaths are due to the use and consumption of water contaminated with microbes or bacteria. Poor hygiene and lack or malfunction of health services are some of the reasons for diarrhea and stomach diseases are still major health problem in Latin American countries like Mexico.

Also worth mentioning is that the pollution in seas and lakes affects the fauna that comes into contact with it and, therefore, when these species are consumed by humans are causing disease. Among the most common ailments associated with this problem can include dehydration, gastritis, colitis, cholera (caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae) and salmonellosis (Salmonella is caused by the organism).

An element in the water that needs to be ingested to cause harm is chlorine, common in ponds, and that if contacted for long periods of time can irritate skin and eyes, that is, cause dryness, itching, dermatitis and conjunctivitis.