Water Pollution's Global Threat to Public Health : A Mini-Review

Abstract

Water resources are essential for a region's development, serving as a primary source of drinking water, agriculture, and industry. However, water contamination from natural and human activities is a global public health threat. This review consolidates data from various studies and reports to comprehensively examine water pollution's impact on public health. Over 80% of untreated sewage is released into water bodies, causing environmental pollution and contributing to over 50 diseases. Poor water quality is responsible for 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths worldwide. The impact of water pollution varies regionally and by age and gender. This paper aims to clarify the link between water pollution and public health, including the association of water pollution with diarrhea, skin diseases, cancer, and impact on child health. Diarrhea is the most common waterborne illness, primarily transmitted by aquatic enteroviruses. Exposure to heavily polluted water increases the risk of skin diseases. Water pollution can affect human health through the source, treatment, and distribution of water. Prominent waterborne carcinogens include arsenic, nitrate, chromium, and trihalomethanes. To mitigate these risks, governments must strengthen water management, implement measures to improve water quality and reduce the adverse impact of water pollution on human health.