National Pollution Control Day

"Stop pollution before it stops our breath."

As the December breeze sweeps in, evoking thoughts of Christmas, year-end resolutions, and the embrace of new beginnings, it often overshadows an essential day that sheds light on the significance of pollution control and its impact. Today, we are going to learn more about National Pollution Control Day and its significance. Come let's know about this important day.

History And Significance Of National Pollution Control Day

National Pollution Control Day is celebrated on the 2nd of December every year to commemorate the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, a catastrophic industrial disaster that claimed thousands of lives and left a lasting impact on the environment and society. Over 25,000 people died due to the harmful gas (methyl isocyanate) exposure in Bhopal. Thirty-nine years have passed, yet the enduring scar inflicted on that day remains unchanged.

This day aims to create awareness about the disasters caused by various types of pollution and highlight the prevention measures from industrial disasters like the “Bhopal Gas Tragedy”.

The theme for National Pollution Day 2023 is "Sustainable Development for a Clean and Healthy Planet." This theme emphasizes the importance of protecting our earth from pollution and giving our generation a clean and healthy environment.

Know About Pollution And Its Impact

Pollution is known as the introduction of hazardous substances into the environment, which damages the quality of air, water, and land in the environment. The substance that causes the pollution is known as a pollutant, which can be natural (volcanic dust, sea salt particles, photochemically formed ozone) or man-made.

According to the World Health Organisation, 12.6 million people died in 2012 due to living or working in unhealthy environments. Over 100 diseases and injuries are caused by various environmental risk factors, such as air, water, and soil pollution.

Common Types Of Pollution: Effects On Human Health

Pollution not only affects our environment but also affects our health. The harmful substances from the pollutant can cause severe health issues and also lead to death. Some common pollutants and their impact on human health are given below:

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the contamination of harmful substances in the atmospheric air, which affect the quality of air and the health of organisms. Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction, and mining can contribute to man-made air pollutants. Volcanic eruptions and wildfires are natural air pollutants that affect air quality.

Impact On Human Health

1. Airborne particulate increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchiolitis.

2. It may also increase the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular events if the time of exposure to the air pollutant is increased.

3. Air pollution may cause chronic brain inflammation, which leads to central nervous system dysfunctions.

4. It causes minor skin issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation and more severe conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

5. The harmful substances in the air affect the reproductive system and may cause harm to pregnant women and infertility in young women.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, which makes it unable to drink and use by humans and other organisms. The contamination in the water results in various diseases and health issues.

Impact On Human Health

• Using contaminated water leads to cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio in humans.

• Polluted water can cause skin issues like allergy, irritation, and itching. Drinking arsenic-contaminated water leads to skin lesions, psoriasis, and skin cancer in individuals.

• Drinking contaminated water may trigger oxidative stress, which leads to abnormal brain function.

• The heavy metals in the contaminated water may cause liver failure, kidney damage, and gastric cancer.

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution refers to the contamination of harmful substances in the soil by improper disposal of industrial waste, agricultural practices, mining activities, or accidental spills.

Impact On Human Health

1. The lead and mercury in the contaminated soil may cause neuropathy and affect the central nervous system.

2. Exposure of skin to polluted soil may cause skin problems like dermatitis, irritation or allergies, hives, acne, or even cancer.

3. The disposal of plastic into soil leads to its breakdown into smaller particles known as microplastics. These microplastics can induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and immune system disturbances in humans.

4. Disposing of medical waste containing harmful microorganisms into the soil can transmit contagious infections to individuals.

Effective Strategies for Pollution Control and Prevention

• Control Emissions and Discharges: Manage and limit the release of pollutants into the environment by industries and various sources by implementing the Pollution Act.

• Promote Sustainability: Encourage eco-friendly practices in industries, agriculture, and transport.

• Raise Public Awareness: Educate people about the importance of pollution control by conducting campaigns and awareness programs.

• Invest in Innovation: Support research and development for innovative solutions to control pollution and protect the environment.

• Choose Green Transportation: Prefer public transport, cycling, walking, or carpooling to reduce environmental impact.

• Cut Waste: Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste.

• Support Sustainable Businesses: Support companies that put effort into producing eco-friendly products.

Wrap it up

Pollution behaves akin to an insidious pest, gradually deteriorating our environment. It's essential to awaken and proactively shield our earth from pollutants. We can't stop natural pollutants, but we can remove the pollutants caused by our own human beings. Nature is always free, but it is precious. We have to preserve it at any cost. Because each and every step against it will affect our health and can severely impact human beings, on this National Pollution Control Day, let's rally once more against pollution, striving to safeguard our environment for a healthier tomorrow.

"Let's rise against the pollution, Not against the environment."