Perils of Pollution
By: Khursheed Ahmad Rather
Pollution is the accumulation of harmful effects, which harm every part of the society, be it human, plants, animals etc. A society is responsible for polluting the environment in various ways, such as household waste, polythene, excessive use of pesticides in agriculture. etc., are very harmful to the environment.
Pollution touches all parts of the planet. It affects our health through the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. The sources and types of pollution are extremely diverse, as are the solutions to deal with them. For example, hazardous chemicals in paints, cleaning compounds, dyes, electronic products, and many other household substances can cause pollution if not managed properly. Ecosystem functions are also threatened
Air pollution
A major source of air pollution is indoor air pollution from the use of solid fuels for cooking at home. Another major source of air pollution is outdoor pollution as a result of burning fossil fuels. Forest fires, burning waste, and tobacco smoke all contribute to air pollution. As a result of air pollution, many respiratory diseases and heart diseases are arising in humans.
Many people die every year due to direct or indirect effects of air pollution. Air pollution also affects water bodies and aquatic life. Pollution also forces animals to leave their habitats and move to new places.
Control measures
In dry season collecting waste and burning it or burning dry leaves is a major factor of air pollution, besides smoking also causes air pollution and harms health as well. It also spoils the quality.
1: Use filters for chimneys in homes and factories.
1: Avoid products that use chemicals or have a strong smell, such as paint or perfume to be used sparingly or outdoors.
3: The practice of planting trees provides many benefits to the environment and helps release oxygen.
Water Pollution
Water is an essential resource for all life on Earth. If a water source becomes contaminated due to pollution, it can cause health problems in humans such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
Water pollution occurs when a water body becomes contaminated, usually by chemicals or microorganisms. Water pollution can make water toxic to humans and the environment.
Plastic and garbage
We generate approximately 1.4 billion tons of waste every year. 10% of this annual waste consists of plastic. Due to the massive use of plastic, experts estimate that 4.8-12.7 million tons of waste enters the ocean every year.
Garbage from people discarding used items such as food packages is washed into the sea by rivers.
People are throwing their garbage in the rivers. Water pollution has serious effects on human health and well-being. It is important to take steps to reduce water pollution and protect the quality of our drinking water. This may include supporting government regulations, reducing harmful chemicals, and improving wastewater treatment processes. We must take action to reduce water pollution to protect the health of people and the environment.
Control measures
Boiling water is one of the easiest ways to purify it. Any potentially dangerous bacteria and viruses will be killed by boiling the water. The water should be boiled for at least one minute to ensure that all contaminants are removed.
Do not pour cooking fat or any other fat, oil or grease down the sink. Place a “grease jar” under the sink to collect grease and dispose of in solid waste when full.
Avoid using garbage disposals. Keep solid waste solid. Make a compost pile with vegetable scraps.
Use minimal amounts of soap or bleach when you’re washing clothes or dishes. Use only phosphate-free soaps and detergents.
Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. This saves electricity and water.
Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers. Do not dispose of these chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer system.
Soil Pollution
Soil can be defined as the organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth. Soil plays an important role in the Earth’s ecosystem and without it, life for humans, animals and plants would be very difficult. Soil gives plants a footing for their roots and contains nutrients necessary for plant growth. Soil provides people with some essential construction and manufacturing materials.
It is our right and very important to keep the soil free from pollution so that we can live a healthy life.
Some important things that pollute the soil and we have to control them.
Discharge of hazardous waste and sewage.
Unsustainable farming practices, such as heavy use of inorganic pesticides.
Strip mining, deforestation, and other destructive practices, Household garbage, disposal.
Household waste, which is not biodegradable, is released into the environment by humans. When people don’t dispose of their waste properly, it can end up in the soil. It can contaminate the soil and make it dangerous for plants and animals.
As we all know that our food comes from soil. We fill our stomachs with food from the crops that grow on the land. And if we pollute the soil, we can no longer use it.
Soil pollution can affect human health in various ways. For example, exposure to contaminated soil can lead to skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to organ damage and even death. Also, breathing in dust particles from contaminated soil can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Therefore, soil pollution is a severe problem that should not be taken lightly
Control measures
Farmers should apply the required amount of fertilizers and pesticides in the paddy field and avoid excessive use of them.
We should encourage organic farming by using organic soil-friendly fertilizers and natural fertilizers.
We should avoid deforestation and create artificial forests on barren land.
We should not throw waste materials around.
We should encourage a more environmentally friendly model of industry.
We should focus on reusing and recycling plastic and non-biodegradable products.
Proper disposal practices for expired drugs and other medical waste products must be followed.
Cleanliness is half the faith.
If we live in a society then we have to keep the surroundings clean, we are responsible for polluting the environment and the whole environment is suffering from harmful effects, if we cannot do good to nature then how can nature do good to us.
(The author hails from Ganderbal and is pursuing his Bachelors degree)
KV News
