Environmental pollution is the contamination of the physical and biological components of the earth’s ecosystem to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected.

Types of pollution include air ,water ,soil ,noise , light and thermal pollution.

India’s environmental pollution – 22/32 cities exceed WHO air quality limits, 70% water polluted, 35% rise in CO2 emissions, 18% increase in waste generation (2020).

Effects of environmental pollution on human health – 

1. Harms the respiratory system by causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, respiratory infections and reduced lung function, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
2. Harms the cardiovascular system by increasing risk of heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiac arrhythmias due to inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular damage.
3. Harms reproductive and developmental health by increasing risk of birth defects, low birth weight, infertility, miscarriage and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
4. Harms the nervous system, causing neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism), cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety and nerve damage, affecting quality of life.

Environmental pollution’s far reaching consequences necessitate immediate attention. Long term exposure to pollutants threatens human health, contaminates ecosystems and imperils biodiversity. To ensure a sustainable future, collective efforts are crucial to reduce emissions, enforce policies and adopt eco friendly practices, prioritizing the well being of vulnerable populations and the planet.