Consequences of environmental pollution
Pollution has serious consequences on the environment and living beings in general. Among the main consequences and their effects, we can cite the different types of pollution; health problems; the disappearance of the ozone layer; damage to ecosystems, acid rain.
1. Different types of pollution
There are different types of environmental pollution, including pollution of air, water and soil, natural goods essential for life.
1. Air pollution: the emission of gases and the combustion of fuels are the main generators of this type of pollution, which affects the air that living beings breathe.
2. Water pollution: it affects seas, rivers and lakes. The introduction of large quantities of toxic elements or substances makes water unsafe and makes its consumption harmful for all the species that depend on it for their survival.
3. Soil contamination: it is produced by industrial waste, urban waste, the use of pesticides and mining activity.
4. Health problems: Living beings, especially humans, are affected in various ways by environmental pollution. Which disrupts their state of health and causes certain illnesses and problems such as:
- respiratory diseases (bronchitis, asthma, allergies, among others).
- dermatological diseases.
- cardiovascular diseases.
- deaths and hygiene problems in areas where water is contaminated or in short supply.
- developmental disorders in children and the appearance of neurological lesions.
- deafness due to noise pollution.
- genetic mutations.
- the different types of cancer.
The ozone layer is made up of a gas present in the atmosphere; it prevents ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching the Earth's surface. However, high levels of contamination caused it to weaken and a hole to appear in its mass. This has led to the proliferation of various diseases in humans, as well as negative effects in nature. For example, the reduction of polar ice caps or increase in temperatures.
6. Damage to ecosystems
The natural balance of ecosystems has been altered due to the high level of pollution in which planet Earth currently lives. Therefore, many species have become extinct and others are on the verge of the same fate because of:
- imbalance of ecosystems, caused by the introduction of a great diversity of animals and plants into areas where they are not native, the destruction of part of the ecosystem.
- consequences of greenhouse gases.
- carbon dioxide, it causes ocean acidification and global warming (high atmospheric temperatures and increased ocean and sea temperatures).
- the arrival of invasive species that destroy or reduce the species typical of an ecosystem or a particular area.
- the increase in insect pests that transmit various infectious diseases and reach places that did not exist before or to which they were not accustomed.
7. Acid rain
Acid rain is precipitation, snowfall or dew that has a high content of nitric or sulfuric acid. This rainwater, rich in acid, pollutes waterways. Acid rain results from human activity (burning fuel or factories), although it can also be derived from volcanic activity or other natural causes.Acid rain affects soils, seas, rivers, oceans, lakes, forests and jungles. They have a major negative impact on the balance of the environment and the well-being of life in general.
8. Melting polar ice caps
The increase in Earth temperature causing the melting of the polar ice caps and the disappearance of various species typical of these very vulnerable areas. It also leads to rising sea levels, the disappearance of small islands and is already starting to affect certain maritime regions of various countries.