Water pollution - some facts

Water pollution is a major concern that threatens the health and life for humans. It is a fact that we are the leading contributor in polluting water. Irrespective of our demand for safe water, we keep on dumping wastage in our water sources. It is only when an outbreak of diseases or a sudden insufficiency of water we think back about polluting water. However, we don’t learn from the mistakes and continue our pledge to make water dirty.

Water is said to be polluted when it is impaired by wastage, sewage or any organic or inorganic elements. The contaminated water is not suitable for human use such as drinking. Consumption of polluted water leads to health related issues, epidemics and many other infections which may lead to loss of life. The surface water bodies are easily contaminated compared to ground water sources. As surface water is open to all kinds of dirt and infections, the effects of pollution reaches everywhere immediately. Frequent discharge of wastage and chemicals into rivers is the protagonist in creating water borne diseases. Other major sources of water like well, ponds etc. are also being polluted day by day.

As said earlier, water pollution leads to massive aftereffects like epidemics, disturbance to eco system, insufficient availability of usable water etc. whether it is an individual or a society, it is important to be careful while dealing with wastage. Remember that the life of water is in our hands. We are the only responsible creatures in this world to grow or kill water.

Sewage treatment is another crucial factor in keeping water safe and clean. In villages and some parts of urban areas, it is a common thing to use ground water for both cleaning and drinking purposes. The water which is polluted again gets polluted and the risk of water borne diseases gets geared up. Be a vigilant member of the society and start practicing keeping water safe and clean for the future.

Children and Water in India

In rural India, availability of water is a major issue which is still not addressed. While, urban areas are provided with purified drinking water, rural areas are always ignored by the authorities. The main sources of water in rural areas are rivers, ponds and wells. Studies say that women in rural areas spend lion share of their days for gathering water for household purposes. The same water is used for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Lack of clean and safe drinking water invites water borne diseases.

The water they collect from various sources is contaminated with organic and non-organic elements. As there is no system available for purification, villagers are forced to drink water infected by dirt and bacteria. It is children who suffer more with water borne diseases. Around 1.5 million children are estimated to die of diarrhea, which is for sure is something to worry about. One third of all deaths of children below five years of age in India are due to diarrhea and pneumonia. More children suffer with weakened immune system, loss of weigh and malnutrition.

Apart from health issues, children in rural India undergo much other turmoil because of unavailability of water. It is a common thing in rural areas for children to accompany women for collecting drinking water. Most of the children, whether it is girl or boy, skip schools to get water for their family. This long walks also affect their health and sanity too.

Rural poverty is a major cause for this situation. People in rural areas are mostly into agriculture which does not give them enough money to afford safe drinking water. As children spend their time for collecting and transporting water to home, what they actually skip is an opportunity to learn and find a better employment. Gradually, these children when they grow up will turn to agriculture and farming and the situation is handed over to next generation.

Water is a basic need in human life. No animal or plant can survive without water in this planet. So, it is more important for us to have water more than anything, say education. It may sound odd but it is the reality. This is the reason the children in rural areas prefer to go for water rather than education. This situation has to be changed. Providing drinking water to the rural people is the only solution for sending their children school.

On the other hand, unhealthy children cannot contribute much to the society and economy. Their productivity will be much lesser than someone who has access to clean drinking water. There are millions of children in India who are facing this issue of unhealthy life. Their parents are helpless due to financial issues. They might be willing to provide clean water to their children but, for some reasons the situation doesn’t allow them to do so.

Immediate action should be taken from the side of Government and other institutions. For example, the Community Water Centers installed by Smaat India Pvt. Ltd provides purified drinking water for rural areas for an affordable price. They are moving ahead with more projects to supply drinking water for everyone in rural India to encourage the habit of drinking safe and clean water.

Sun Burn and protection

Sunburn is a type of radiation burn that affects through over exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It affects living tissues like skin commonly from the Sun. Common symptoms of Sunburn includes reddish skin, dizziness and general fatigue. An excess of UV radiation can be severe in extreme cases. Extreme UV radiation is a leading cause of skin tumors, skin cancer etc. other symptoms of Sunburn are itching, rash, nausea, fever, edema and syncope.

During the past decades, doctors are all the time more aware of the increase in skin cancer. The harm caused by Sunburn includes premature aging, damage to eyes and skin cancer. It is a dangerous and annoying situation to get burned by the Sun. Utmost care should be taken to prevent Sunburn and its consequences. Sunburn also known as sunstroke is nauseating and annoying condition.

Avoiding exposure to the Sun is the most important way to avoid Sunburn. Taking precautions while exposing to the Sun help prevent burns. Most of the Sunburns heal completely within a few weeks. Treatments at home like using cool and wet clothes on sunburned areas, frequent shower in cold water, applying lotions that contain aloe vera etc. are very helpful in sun protection. There are many lotions available in the market for sun protection. However, a few of easy and inexpensive steps can be followed to escape UV radiation while you are going out.

Sun protection in natural ways

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is a better way to protect eyes from ultra violet radiation. A sunglass with UV protection shields your eyes while you are in bright sun light areas. A light tinted sunglass is an ideal choice because it keeps your natural aversion to sunlight and pupils remain constricted.

Clothing

Though not all cloths are UV resistant, it is the most effective defense against Sunburn. While travelling in tropical environments, light colored long sleeved shirts and long trousers are perfect. A shirt with collar can safeguard back of your neck. Wearing shoes and socks is also a good defense against UV radiation.

Sun Lotion

Using sun lotion is another way to prevent Sunburn. However, sun lotions provide only partial protection from UV, it advisable to apply lotion when clothing is not practical. The lotion should be applied on exposed parts of the body like top and bottom of feet and knees where Sunburn is surprisingly quick.

Seek shade

Try to avoid spending more time outdoors during the hours around noon without adequate protection. Planning outdoor activities like swimming or boating in the early morning and late afternoon. In unavoidable situations, try to seek shade whenever possible. Using an umbrella also can reduce the risk of over exposure to the Sun.

Drink Water

Drink water as much as possible to prevent dehydration.

With a little care and precautions, we can easily protect ourselves from Sunburn. Most of the time it is carelessness or unawareness that invites UV radiation. Taking effective measurements while exposing to the Sun is possible through simple and practical habits.