How Does Pollution Affect All Living Things?

Pollution is the introduction of harmful contaminants into air, water or soil. These contaminants
can have dire effects on the entire ecosystems, making life more difficult for humans, plants and
animals. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the health effects from these
toxins. In many cases, exposure to pollution has a cumulative effect on the body.

Air Pollution
Air pollution consists of solid particles and gases. Many pollutants are carcinogens. People who
breathe in these poisons are at a higher risk for asthma and reproductive-system damage.
According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, birth defects can also be caused by air
pollution. A 1995 study found a link between air pollution and increased deaths from
cardiovascular and respiratory problems
Humans are not the only living creatures affected by toxic air pollutants. Some toxins, like
mercury, settle onto plants and into water sources that are then consumed by animals. The health
effects of these poisons are then magnified up the food chain. Animals that are at the top of the
food chain end up with the largest concentrations of toxins in their bodies.

Water Pollution
Water is a necessity of life. People and animals need clean drinking water. Farmers need water to
irrigate crops. People enjoy using lakes and rivers for recreation. Unfortunately, this precious
resource is easily contaminated by agricultural runoff, mining activities, waste treatment plants
and improperly disposed-of industrial waste.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors 80 different contaminants that may affect
drinking water. Microbial contaminants include bacteria and viruses. Most people can fight off
the microbial contaminants, however, people with compromised immune systems can get
dangerously ill. Contaminants like solvents, pesticides, radium and arsenic are more sinister.
This type of pollution can cause long-term health problems for people. Wildlife can also die from
exposure.

Soil Contamination
Soil contamination consists of either liquid or solid particles mixed with soil. The contaminants
may be physically attached to the soil particles or they may be in the spaces between the soil
particles. Contamination results when hazardous substances are spilled or buried in the soil. It
can also occur when pollutants settle on the soil, such as chemicals or waste from an industrial
smokestack.
Plants grown in contaminated soil take up the hazardous substances through their roots. Humans
or animals that ingest these plants may get sick. People and animals can also inhale soil
contaminants through dust that is present in the air or absorb these hazardous chemicals through
their skin.