Air and Water Pollutants: Health Impacts

A concise review of major pollutants in air and water, their sources, and the health risks they pose.

1. Air & Water Pollutants Dr. Shivankan Kakkar , MD

2. Introduction to Pollutants Pollutants are substances introduced into the natural environment beyond safe limits. They impact air and water quality , causing harmful effects to living organisms. Major types include gases, vapors , and particulate matter (PM). Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 2

3. Sources of Air Pollution Outdoor Sources: Automobile emissions Fossil fuel burning (coal, diesel) Industrial gases and waste Forest fires, stubble burning, volcanic eruptions Dust storms, garbage burning, tobacco smoke Indoor Sources: Burning of wood, coal, and kerosene for cooking House dust, tobacco smoke, vapors from paints Emissions from generators Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 3

4. Air Quality Index (AQI) The National Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air quality by tracking 8 pollutants: PM 10 , PM 2.5 , NO 2 , SO 2 , CO, O 3 , Pb, NH 3 Converts pollutant levels into a single number, categorizing air quality into 6 levels: Good , Satisfactory , Moderate , Poor , Very Poor , Severe Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 4

5. Health Impacts of Air Pollution Respiratory System: Cough, bronchoconstriction, worsened asthma, bronchitis, COPD. Cardiovascular System: Increased risk of thrombosis, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias. Pregnancy: Reduced oxygen supply to the fetus , affecting development. Carcinogenesis: Increased risk of lung cancer from exposure to pollutants. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 5

6. Main Air Pollutants Particulate Matter (PM 10 , PM 2.5 ): Coarse particles settle in bronchi, fine particles penetrate alveoli. Carbon Monoxide (CO): Causes hypoxia by displacing oxygen from hemoglobin . Leads to headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness. Nitrogen Oxides (NO x ): Irritates lungs, worsens asthma, reduces lung function. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 6

7. Additional Air Pollutants Ground-Level Ozone (O 3 ): Causes throat irritation, chest pain, wheezing, emphysema. Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ): Eye and airway irritation, causes acid rain. Lead (Pb): Affects nervous, cardiovascular, and renal systems, mostly from vehicle emissions. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 7

8. Importance of Potable Water Definition : Potable water is essential for human health—wholesome, colourless, odourless, and safe. Current Issue : In India and many developing countries, access to potable water is limited due to contamination. Health Risks : Contaminated water can harbour toxic chemicals and pathogenic organisms, posing serious health threats. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 8

9. Sources of Water Pollution Types of Pollutants : Pathogenic Microorganisms : E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Giardia, etc. Chemical Pollutants : Inorganic : Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Fluorides, Nitrates. Organic : Pesticides (DDT), detergents, microplastics. Physical Indicators : Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 9

10. Major Causes of Water Pollution Human Waste : Sewage discharge directly into water bodies. Industrial Effluent : Untreated toxic chemical residues from factories. Agricultural Runoff : Pesticides and fertilizers leaching into water systems. Impact : These pollutants contribute to waterborne diseases and long-term ecological damage. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 10

11. Prevention Measures Regulatory Actions : Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974. Continuous monitoring by central and state water boards. Effective Practices : Specialized treatment of industrial effluent and sewage. Separation of water supply and sewage systems. Banning or reducing persistent pesticide usage. Community Role : Public awareness and involvement in pollution prevention. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 11

12. Dr. Shivankan Kakkar, MD 12