Pollution in Yamuna river: Yamuna river is covered with a thick layer of white froth and toxic pollutants. A sighting that has become an annual affair, continues to be a cause of concern among doctors and health experts.
Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees flocked to rivers and bodies of water across India to pray to the sun god as part of the Chhath festival this week. In Noida, on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi, families gathered at the Yamuna river despite being covered with white toxic foam as a result of pollutants discharged from nearby industries
Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told Financial Express.com that the frothy layer forming on the Yamuna River, particularly near New Delhi, is a result of severe water pollution caused by untreated industrial waste, domestic sewage, and agricultural runoff.
“Exposure to this froth poses several health risks and environmental hazards.One of the most significant concerns is the direct contact of people with this frothy water, especially during religious rituals where people bathe in or consume the water. The foam contains high levels of harmful chemicals like phosphates and surfactants, which are toxic to the skin and eyes. Prolonged skin contact with the froth can lead to severe dermatological conditions such as rashes, itching, and eczema. It can also aggravate existing skin conditions like psoriasis. Eye exposure to these chemicals may cause irritation, redness, and long-term damage,” Dr. Tayal revealed.
Respiratory issues are another concern, as inhaling the fine mist of chemicals can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract. “This is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. The presence of high ammonia levels and heavy metals like lead and mercury in the river water further contributes to the toxic environment, potentially causing severe health complications such as kidney damage, neurological disorders, and even cancer if exposure is prolonged,” he told Financial Express.com.
Moreover, the frothy layer on the Yamuna also disrupts the local ecosystem. The toxic chemicals in the foam reduce the oxygen levels in the water, severely affecting aquatic life. Fish and other organisms are often unable to survive in such polluted conditions, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
‘Impact on human health significant’
Over the years, Yamuna River has been severely polluted due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and solid waste dumping. “The harmful effects of this polluted water on human health are significant and wide-ranging. When we come into contact with or consume contaminated water, it can have immediate and long-term consequences,” Dr. RS Mishra, Principal Director – Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj told Financial Express.com.
Harmful effects of toxic Yamuna water on the human body:
Waterborne Diseases
Polluted water in the Yamuna can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens can lead to various waterborne diseases such as:
- Diarrhea and Dysentery: Caused by contamination with bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, these diseases can lead to severe dehydration and even death if untreated.
- Cholera: A bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, often found in fecal-contaminated water, leading to extreme dehydration.
- Hepatitis A: A viral infection affecting the liver, caused by drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water.
- Typhoid Fever: Caused by Salmonella typhi, this disease is contracted from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food.
Heavy Metal Poisoning
The Yamuna River is heavily polluted by industrial effluents containing toxic metals such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic. Exposure to these heavy metals can have serious health impacts:
- Lead poisoning can cause neurological damage, developmental delays in children, kidney dysfunction, and high blood pressure.
- Mercury poisoning can lead to tremors, cognitive impairment, kidney damage, and, in extreme cases, death.
- Cadmium exposure can result in kidney damage, bone disease, and cancer.
- Arsenic is linked to skin lesions, internal cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects.
Chemical Contaminants
The river also contains harmful chemicals from agricultural runoff, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These can cause a variety of health problems:
- Endocrine disruption: Chemicals like pesticides can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially leading to reproductive problems, developmental issues, and even cancer.
- Cancer: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals like carcinogenic pesticides can increase the risk of developing cancers such as leukemia and liver cancer.
- Neurological effects: Chemicals in the water, especially those associated with agricultural runoff, can negatively impact the nervous system, leading to headaches, dizziness, and long-term cognitive impairments.
Skin Infections
Contact with polluted water can lead to skin conditions like:
- Dermatitis: A skin condition that results in inflammation, irritation, and redness.
- Fungal infections and bacterial infections: These can arise from prolonged exposure to contaminated water.
Impact on Respiratory Health
Breathing in polluted air around the river, or inhaling aerosolized water droplets from contaminated water, can lead to respiratory problems such as: Asthma , Bronchitis, Other lung infections
Impact on Pregnancy and Child Development
Exposure to pollutants, particularly heavy metals, chemicals, and pathogens in contaminated water, can lead to pregnancy complications, birth defects, and developmental issues in children. Heavy metal poisoning, in particular, can cause neurological damage in children, affecting cognitive and motor development.
What are some long-term effect on health?
According to Dr. Mishra, continuous exposure to toxic water can lead to chronic health problems:
- Cancer: The long-term consumption of contaminated water may increase the risk of various cancers due to the presence of carcinogenic substances like arsenic, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term exposure to heavy metals and toxins in the water can damage the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
- Immunosuppression: Persistent exposure to pathogens and toxins can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections.