Toxic Elements In Water: How Is It Affecting Economic Growth?

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Water pollution is not a new problem. It has been happening for quite some time but has now reached another level. Currently, the world is facing an ‘invisible’ water quality crisis that has discarded one-third of potential economic growth in areas with a huge population. 

Toxic elements in water are depreciating the quality of water used by humans daily and negatively affecting their health and the economic growth of – even the 1st world – nations.

Water And Health Are Related

Health and water have a very close relationship. Due to the combination of chemicals, bacteria, and sewage, the water quality has dropped, leading to numerous infections and diseases in people. 

These toxic elements absorb oxygen from water and make it unusable and lethal for people as well as the environment. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, over two billion humans face high water stress, while four billion are suffering from a serious water shortage.

According to the World Health Organization survey, 80% of the world’s diseases, along with 50% of the world’s child deaths, are linked to the use of contaminated water. It also lists more than 50 diseases that are caused solely by poor drinking water quality. These statistics are enough to show how toxic elements in water have adversely affected the health of humans all around the globe. 

Effect Of Water Contamination On Economy

World Bank Group President David Malpass has said that – “Clean water is a key factor for economic growth. Deteriorating water quality is worsening health conditions, stalling economic growth, reducing food production, and exacerbating poverty in several countries.”  Clearly, there is a connection between water pollution and the economy. 

A healthy and strong population is the backbone of a nation. With toxic elements in the water, people get sicker, and the ecosystem suffers, which puts negative pressure on the economy of the country. The tourism industry, for instance, loses around $1 billion each year due to the loss in fishing and boating activities. 

This happens because water bodies have been severely affected by nutrient pollution. When water is easily accessible and comes from an improved source, people spend less time and effort collecting it and can be productive in other ways.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The most infamous case of water pollution is the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. This case proves the disastrous effects that toxic elements in the water can have on people. Between the years 1953 and 1987, over a million people present at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were exposed to toxic substances in the water. 

This contamination was caused by leaks from waste disposal sites and underground storage tanks. Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates show that this is still an ongoing case, and so many people are fighting against it. Lawyers are reviewing and accepting claims for this case every day.

Elements like Tetrachloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, Vinyl Chloride, and Benzene were found in the water that led to several health anomalies – including several forms of cancer – in the people who were present there at the time. 

According to TorHoerman Law, anybody who lived at the marine corps base for at least thirty days while this accident was occurring could be eligible to file a claim and get a reasonable settlement amount.

It Is Just The Beginning 

The issue of water pollution is serious, and therefore, we can’t sit back and wait for the worst. The current condition is just the beginning, and if suitable measures are not taken, it can result in something much worse. There are several measures being taken in this regard. UN’s Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goal attempts to ensure clean water and its sustainable management.

In order to achieve universal coverage with basic drinking water services by 2030, historical rates of progress have to double. Additionally, to achieve universal, safely managed services, these rates have to quadruple. 

The World Bank report has recommended a list of actions that nations can abide by to improve water quality. These include:

  • Reliable information disclosure to households
  • Effective enforcement systems
  • Environmental standards and policies
  • Proper water treatment infrastructure 
  • Correct monitoring of pollution loads

Conclusion 

Water is an important resource required for the survival and sustenance of human beings and animals. The current condition of the water is alarming, and people must be more aware of it. Around the world, millions of people are suffering from issues of water contamination. 

The degradation of the water quality at such a high level has led to the spread of several infectious diseases. With proper awareness and initiatives, we can fight this problem and protect our health and economy.

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