Air, water pollution and health effects
The air we breathe and the water we drink are essential ingredients for our wellbeing and a healthy life. Unfortunately polluted water and air are common throughout the world.
The WHO states that one sixth of the world’s population, approximately 1.1 billion people, do not have access to safe water and 2.4 billion lack basic sanitation. For most citizens of the European Union access to clean water is taken for granted. Most citizens do not realise however, that this water we take for granted puts a huge burden on water quality and quantity. All pollution in water, whether polluted by industry, agriculture or households, returns back, eventually to the environment and may cause damage to human health or the environment.
WHO also go on to say that air pollution causes 800,000 premature deaths from lung cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases worldwide, in addition to increased incidence of chronic bronchitis, acute respiratory illness, exacerbation of asthma and coronary disease, and impairment of lung function.
The sources for this pollution include, road transport, stationary combustion sources (domestic coal burning, industrial sources, incinerators and waste disposals, fossil fuel power plants) and non-combustion sources (construction, quarrying and mining, cement plan and ceramic industry) and other sources, such as forest and agricultural fires. The main pollutants found in the air we breathe inlcude, particulate matter, PAHs, lead, ground-level ozone, heavy metals, sulphur dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxides.
ACTION
Promoting sustainable use of Europe’s waters and the integration of water protection objectives into other policy areas, especially agriculture, infrastructure and land use planning.
Ensuring the highest protection of groundwater and end the release of all hazardous substances into our environment.
Ensure the highest standards of protection of public health, especially taking into consideration vulnerable groups within our society.
Participate and monitor EU legislation on both water and air quality.
Last article modified in this page or in one of the sub-section May 6 2008.
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