Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution including soil pollution , air pollution and water pollution can impact food systems and eventually nutrition.
Effects of Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution increases a multitude of challenges associated with food production. It influences the rise in drought and flood incidences, and the number of pests, which in turn cause an influx in food production. As a result, food supply chains undergo disruptions and shortages. Consequently, an increase in malnutrition cases is noted .An increase in the number of health conditions resulting from the consumption of contaminated foods may also be observed.
The released pollutants may accumulate in the atmosphere, thus contributing to global warming which can cause shifts in weather patterns and food production. Air pollutants , particularly, can cause the stagnation of crop development by impeding the photosynthesis process. Certain chemicals including black carbon accumulate in the atmosphere further exacerbating the global warming condition. Its accumulation causes a covering that prevents enough sunlight from reaching crops. In addition, this black carbon can cover the leaves of plants preventing them from accessing adequate sunlight to allow for food synthesis.
Speculations are that increased CO2 levels resultant from environmental pollution alongside human activities correspond with reduced quantities of vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron in certain crops. This implies a likelihood of increasing numbers of nutrient deficiencies especially if such crops are staples in an area.
Water pollution increases the risk of water -borne diseases. Persons who drink contaminated water may experience various health conditions depending on the pollutants ingested. Consuming fish with pollutants can also trigger certain health disorders. In previous posts , we discussed the processes bio-accumulation and bio magnification, and recognized how these contaminants can reach humans at the top of the food chain. The intake of water contaminated by fertilizers, for example, may cause respiratory infections, gut inflammation, etc. Consuming fish that contain heavy metals such as mercury can lead to severe gastro-intestinal complications ,neurological disturbances, vomiting etc.Ingesting lea can lead to organ damage .
Exposure to foods from contaminated soils with heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium can also cause detrimental effects. Arsenic toxicity causes renal failure , gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular diseases while contamination by cadmium causes respiratory issues , bone complications and kidney damage.
The degree of severity from toxicity by environmental pollution varies form person to person, however individuals such as the pregnant women, children and the elderly are at increased risk.
Let’s take it upon ourselves to play a part in environmental conservation to limit the noted concerns.