A STUDY ON AIR AND WATER POLLUTION IN SIVAKASI

Introduction
Sivakasi is a big industrial centre, thanks to its enterprising and work conscious
people. It is situated in Virudhunagar district of Tamilnadu state. It is a dry and hot region.
Sivakasi is well known all over India for its industries like Fireworks, Match Industries, and
Printing Industries. In fact the whole country depends on Sivakasi for its supply of fireworks and
matches. As these industries are well developed, Sivakasi is nick-named "Little Japan (Kutty
Japan) in India" was given by Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru (First Prime Minister of INDIA).
Match Industry
In 1922, P. Ayya Nadar and A. Shaunmuga Nadar were sent to Calcutta, (Where a
few families from Japan engaged in the field of Match production of a small scale by using
simply and manually operated machines) to learn about safety matches production from a
Swedish Multi-National firm which was the sole manufacture of safety matches in India at that
time. They returned to Sivakasi with all the requisite expertise and jointly established the First
Match Unit called "The South India Lucifer Match Industry" in 1923.
Present Position
Now Sivakasi meet about 55 to 60% of Indias requirement of safety matches. The
market is estimated to grow at an average of 10% of per annum. Nearly 55% of workers are
employed in the match sector. About 3500 Match works are situated in Sivakasi and Sattur. They
are started with a modest capital of Rs.25,000/- and are generally managed by women including
house wives as men were involved in selling the products. Around 30,000 persons are directly
employed.

Fire Works Industry

The discipline of Fire Works is technology called "Pyrotechnics". It is derived from the
Greek Word "Pyre" meaning fire and techniques meaning an art. The first Fireworks industry
was started in 1923.
Significance of the Fire Works
There are nearly 450 fireworks factories giving direct employment, to about 40,000
workers and about 1 lakhs indirect such as paper tube making, Wire cutting, Box making sale
distribution in the country side. The market for fireworks is likely to grow at the rate of 10% per
annum. The annual output is over 50,000 tones, and turn over (at factory cost) around Rs.350
cores according to industrial sources. State Government collected about 40 million rupees by
way of sale tax from fireworks alone.
Sivakasi Railway Station gets revenue of Rs.15 million per year, nearly 29% of
workers are employed in fireworks. Fireworks in Sivakasi also produced Military Weapons
training items. They are used for training on Japan. Some airports are using Sivakasi Rocket to
scare away birds to avoid bird hits of aircrafts. The accident rate is much below 1% in Fire
Works industries while in all other industries it was range from 5 to 47 percentages.

Printing Industries
Sivakasi, renowned the world over for its printing, Lithe Presses, offset printing
machines of which is the second largest number in the world, next to Guthenburg, a city in
Germany. Around 450 printing presses including offset & flexo types are located in and around
Sivakasi. The whole printing industry is Sivakasi is salutes to founder respected Sri. S. Kaliappa
Nadar. In 1937 he established "Sivakasi Industrial Printing Works", thus paved way for the
offset printing Technology in Sivakasi. More than 50,000 workers are engaged in printing and
allied industries. The town has a school of printing technology that produces every year of about
150 candidates were placed in India and in other Gulf countries.
Security jobs like printing bank Cheque books, flight tickets and lottery tickets
were undertaken by the leading presses in Sivakasi. Most of the leading presses are successfully
competing with the international bidders, especially in Asia in the export quality printing of
Children's books, notebooks, magazines, greeting cards, calendars, trade labels and cartons. The
most complex and variegated part of the entire production process is finishing and
binding. Sivakasi is most proud to achieve outstanding results, which have amazed many of its
international customers. The Sivakasi Institute of Printing Technology was founded in the year
1977. It is intended for training students in printing processes, with a special emphasis on offset
printing.

Sivakasi is known throughout the world for fireworks production. Low rain fall
and a dry climate prevailing in this area contribute to unabated fireworks production. Sivakasi
supplies firecrackers and sparkers for all important ceremonies. For the color effect of fireworks,
toxic heavy metals like barium, aluminum, lead, mercury salts, antimony, copper, and strontium
can be used in firework compositions. The smoke from fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic
dusts that can easily enter the lungs. They are more harmful to the society as they pollute our
environment which affects the infants, children, pregnant women, patients and senior citizens.
Fireworks fallout can contaminate water supplies and residue on the ground can be carried away
by rain and end up in our lakes, rivers, or oceans. The noise from fireworks exceeds 140 decibels
that scares pets and wildlife like birds, animals etc.
TYPES OF POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
WATER POLLUTION
SOIL POLLUTION
NOISE POLLUTION
LAND POLLUTION
THERMAL POLLUTION
LIGHT POLLUTION

AIR POLLUTION:
Meaning of Air Pollution
Air pollution is defined as the presence of one or more contaminants in the
atmosphere in such a quantity that is injurious to human health and interferes with the life
processes. It is caused due to the addition of harmful substances into the atmosphere. These
substances can be either produced naturally or manmade. Dusts, bacteria, pollen, forest fire
and volcanic eruptions are examples of natural sources of pollutants. Smoke released from
the automobile and industries are the example of manmade pollutants.
Air pollution on the basis of the natural of the pollutant emitted is of two types as
particulate air pollution and gaseous air pollution wherein the hazardous substances are in
the form of gases or particles respectively.

AIR POLLUTION:
Sources of Air Pollution:
Air pollution is caused by both natural and manmade sources. The natural air
pollutants are smoke from wild fires, methane released from livestock and volcanic
eruptions. The manmade air pollutants are carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen
Dioxide, particulate Matter, Ground Level Ozone and lead. The following are some of the
activities of human beings that add pollutant into the atmosphere.

Burning of fossil fuels and fires

Emission from vehicles

Rapid industrialization

Wars and bombing

Deforestation
The following are some of the major gaseous air pollutants let into the atmosphere

Sulphur dioxide
Sculpture dioxide when released in the atmosphere can also convert to SO3, which
lead to production of sulphuric acid. When SO3 is inhaled it is likely to be absorbed I moist
Passages of respiratory tract. When it is entrained in an aerosol, however, it may reach Far
deeper into the lungs. Figure 2 summarizes adverse health effects of SO2. Sculpture dioxide
can damage Vegetation and cause corrosion. Airborne sulfates reduce visibility. It is also
the cause of acid rain in some countries.
Nitrogen oxides
Almost all NOx emissions are in the form of NO, which has no known adverse
health Effects in the concentrations found in atmosphere. However, NO can be oxidized to
NO2 in the atmosphere, which in turn may give rise to secondary pollutants, which are
injurious. NO2 may also lead to formation of HNO3, which is washed out of the atmosphere
as acid rain.

Carbon monoxide
Most of the CO emissions are from transportation sector. Peak concentrations occur
at street level in busy urban centers particularly when there is no atmospheric mixing as it
Happens during winter season. Carbon monoxide interferes with blood's ability to carry
Oxygen. With the blood stream carrying less oxygen, brain function is affected and heart
Rate increases in an attempt to offset the oxygen deficit. Breathing between 20 to 35 ppm
CO in air for 4 h results in impairment of time related response. Individuals with Heart
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condition may experience chest pain. Exposure to 100ppm concentration would result in
dizziness.

Types of Pollutants
In order to understand the causes of Air pollution, several divisions can be made.
Primarily air pollutants can be caused by primary sources or secondary sources. The pollutants
that are a direct result of the process can be called primary pollutants. A classic example of a
primary pollutant would be the sulfur-dioxide emitted from factories. Secondary pollutants are
the ones that are caused by the inter mingling and reactions of primary pollutants. Smog created
by the interactions of several primary pollutants is known to be as secondary pollutant.

Causes of Air pollution

Burning of Fossil Fuels: Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil like coal,
petroleum and other factory combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution.
Pollution emitting from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes cause
immense amount of pollution. We rely on them to fulfill our daily basic needs of
transportation. But, there overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases are
polluting the environment. Carbon Monoxide caused by improper or incomplete

combustion and generally emitted from vehicles is another major pollutant along with
Nitrogen Oxides that is produced from both natural and man-made processes.
Agricultural activities: Ammonia is a very common by product from agriculture related
activities and is one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere. Use of insecticides,
pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit
harmful chemicals into the air and can also cause water pollution.
Exhaust from factories and industries: Manufacturing industries release large amount
of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air
thereby depleting the quality of air. Manufacturing industries can be found at every
corner of the earth and there is no area that has not been affected by it. Petroleum
refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that pollute the air and
also cause land pollution.
Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted
using large equipments. During the process dust and chemicals are released in the air
causing massive air pollution. This is one of the reasons which are responsible for the
deteriorating health conditions of workers and nearby residents.
Indoor air pollution: Household cleaning products, painting supplies emit toxic
chemicals in the air and cause air pollution. Once we paint walls of our house, it creates
some sort of smell that makes it literally impossible to breathe.
Suspended particulate matter popular by its acronym SPM, is another cause of pollution.
Referring to the particles afloat in the air, SPM is usually caused by dust, combustion etc.

Effects of Air pollution

Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution are alarming. They are
known to create several respiratory and heart conditions along with Cancer, among other
threats to the body. Several millions are known to have died due to direct or indirect
effects of Air pollution. Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly
suffer from pneumonia and asthma.
Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is
witnessing due to Global warming. With increased temperatures worldwide, increase in
sea levels and melting of ice from colder regions and icebergs, displacement and loss of
habitat have already signaled an impending disaster if actions for preservation and
normalization arent undertaken soon.
Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the
atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combines
with these air pollutants, becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid
rain. Acid rain can cause great damage to human, animals and crops.

 Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a condition where high amount of nitrogen present in

some pollutants gets developed on seas surface and turns itself into algae and and
adversely affect fish, plants and animal species. The green colored algae that is present on
lakes and ponds is due to presence of this chemical only.
Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some devastating affects of air
pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to move to new
place and change their habitat. The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water
and can also affect sea animals.
Depletion of Ozone layer: Ozone exists in earths stratosphere and is responsible for
protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earths ozone layer is depleting
due to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.
As ozone layer will go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin
and eye related problems. UV rays also have the capability to affect crops.

Health Effects
Air pollution can harm us when it accumulates in the air in high enough concentrations.
Millions of Americans live in areas where urban smog, particle pollution, and toxic pollutants
pose serious health concerns. People exposed to high enough levels of certain air pollutants may
experience:

art problems, such as asthma

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In addition, long-term exposure to air pollution can cause cancer and damage to the
immune, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. In extreme cases, it can even cause
death.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the airways. A person with asthma
may not feel symptoms all the time. The most common symptoms are difficulty breathing,
wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Even if you have only one of these signs -- like chronic
coughing -- it may be due to asthma. Other symptoms, like sweating or rapid heart rate, may be
present. During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed, the airways
constrict tighter and tighter and excess mucus builds up inside the airway passages. It becomes
very hard for air to pass through the airways.
Asthma can be triggered by most of the same things that trigger allergies. A key step in
controlling asthma is to identify which of these triggers make your asthma worse, and then work
to eliminate or avoid them. It also can be triggered by cold air, exercise, respiratory viruses, and
other factors. Almost anyone with asthma should be able to prevent most asthma attacks, sleep at
night without being wakened by asthma, prevent most trips to the hospital, prevent missed work
or school because of asthma symptoms, exercise normally like anyone else, and find an asthma
treatment plan that has minimal side effects.

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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a disease that may be caused by air pollution. A cancerous tumour starts
from one abnormal cell. It is thought that something damages or alters certain genes in the cell.
This makes the cell abnormal and multiplies out of control. Certain risk factors increase the
chance of certain cancers forming. Smoking is a major risk factor and is the main cause of lung
cancer. Chemicals in tobacco smoke are carcinogens. These are substances which can damage
cells and lead to cancer developing. About 9 in 10 cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking.
Compared with non-smokers, those who smoke between 1-14 cigarettes a day have eight times
the risk of dying from lung cancer. Those who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day have 25 times
the risk. Non-smokers have a low risk of developing lung cancer.
Agricultural Effects:
In India in 2014, it was reported that air pollution had cut crop yields in the most
affected areas by almost half in 2010 when compared to 1980 levels. Effect of air pollution on
plants Air pollution injury to plants can be evident in several ways. Injury to foliage may be
visible in a short time and appear as necrotic lesions (dead tissue), or it can develop slowly as a
yellowing or chlorosis of the leaf. There may be a reduction in growth of various portions of a
plant. Plants may be killed outright, but they usually do not succumb until they have suffered
recurrent injury.
Oxidants:
Ozone is the main pollutant in the oxidant smog complex. Its effect on plants was first
observed in the Los Angeles area in 1944. Since then, ozone injury to vegetation has been
reported and documented in many areas throughout North America, including the southwestern
and central regions of Ontario. Throughout the growing season, particularly July and August,
ozone levels vary significantly. Periods of high ozone are associated with regional southerly air
flows that are carried across the lower Great Lakes after passing over many urban and
industrialized areas of the United States. Localized, domestic ozone levels also contribute to the
already high background levels. Injury levels vary annually and white bean, which are
particularly sensitive, are often used as an indicator of damage. Other sensitive species include
cucumber, grape, green bean, lettuce, onion, potato, radish, rutabagas, spinach, sweet corn,
tobacco and tomato. Resistant species include endive, pear and apricot.
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Prevention and Control of Air Pollution:

Different techniques are used for controlling air pollution caused by 'gaseous pollutants'
and that caused by 'particulate pollutants'.

Methods of controlling gaseous pollutants: The air pollution caused by gaseous pollutants
like hydrocarbons,sulphur dioxide,ammonia,carbon monoxide,etc can be controlled by
using three different methods-Combustion, Absorption and Adsorption.

1. Combustion: This technique is applied when the pollutants are organic gases or
vapours.The organic air pollutants are subjected to 'flame combustion or catalytic
combustion' when they are converted to less harmful product carbon dioxide and a harmless
product water.
2. Absorption: In this method, the polluted air containing gaseous pollutants is passed
through a scrubber containing a suitable liquid absorbent. The liquid absorbs the harmful
gaseous pollutants present in air.
3. Adsorption: In this method, the polluted air is passed through porous solid adsorbents kept
in suitable containers. The gaseous pollutants are adsorbed at the surface of the porous solid
and clean air passes through.

Methods of controlling particulate emissions: The air pollution caused by particulate

matter like dust, soot, ash, etc., can be controlled by using fabric filters, wet scrubbers,
electrostatic precipitators and certain mechanical devices.

1. Mechanical Devices: It works on the basis of following:

Gravity: In this process, the particulate settle down by the action of gravitational force and
get removed.

Sudden change in the direction of air flow: It brings about separation of particles due to
greater momentum.

2. Fabric Filters: The particulate matter is passed through a porous medium made of woven or
filled fabrics.

The particulate present in the polluted air are filtered and gets collected in the fabric filters,
while the gases are discharged.
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3.

The process of controlling air pollution by using fabric filters is called 'bag filtration'.
Wet Scrubbers: They are used to trap SO2, NH3 and metal fumes by passing the fumes
through water.

4.

Electrostatic Precipitators: When the polluted air containing particulate pollutants is

passed through an electrostatic precipitator, it induces electric charge on the particles and
then the aerosol particles get precipitated on the electrodes.

Some other methods of controlling Air Pollution:

1. Tall chimneys should be installed in factories.
2. Better designed equipment and smokeless fuels should be used in homes and industries.
3. Renewable and non- polluting sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, etc., should
be used.
4. Automobiles should be properly maintained and adhere to emission control standards.
5. More trees should be planted along roadsides and houses.

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IMPORTANCE OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

Modernization paved the way for new technologies. Innovation on transportation, lifestyle
and almost everything around us is occurring every day. However, it is our environment who is
suffering from the comfort technology has brought us. Cars, factories and automobiles release
hazardous gas causing air pollution that needs to be controlled.

Because of the increase in demand of goods, the supply from manufacturing companies
has to catch up. New factories are built so we can achieve self-sufficiency. These factories have
become the major source of outdoor air pollution in urban areas and have been regulated to
do air pollution control. The air coming from the factories contains substances known as air
pollutants harmful to humans and the environment. Pollutants can be classified into two: primary
and secondary. Primary pollutants are those emitted directly through the process. Examples of
which are the ashes from a volcanic eruption, carbon monoxide gas released by a motor vehicle
and the sulfur dioxide coming from factories. Secondary are air pollutants emitted indirectly.
They are formed when primary react or interact in the air.

There are primary pollutants produced by human activity. Sulfur oxide is produced
largely through coal burning. It comes in volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Carbon
monoxide is an odorless, colorless but very poisonous gas. It is created by incomplete
combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood. Nitrogen oxide is emitted directly by
automotive. It is considered as one of the most prominent air pollutants. Volatile Organic
Compounds or VOCs are highly reactive organic compounds. It is categorized into methane and
non-methane. Methane contributes to global warming. Other hydrocarbon VOCs are significant
greenhouse for their ability in creating ozone and in prolonging the life of methane in the
atmosphere. Particulate matters are ash, dust and salt particles that when breathed in can cause
health hazards such as heart disease and lung cancer. Secondary pollutants include sulfuric acid
H2SO4 that can cause respiratory problems and nitrogen oxide that gives air a brownish
coloration. Air pollution coming from factories and automobiles is something we cannot set
aside. Every business must have an air pollution control to prevent them from deteriorating what
is left to our world.
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WATER POLLUTION:
Meaning of water pollution
Water pollution can be defined as the presence of one or more contaminants in the
hydrosphere in such a quantity that is injurious to human health and interferes with the life
processes. The contamination of water is effected by the addition of undesirable organic,
inorganic, radiological or biological substances to water sources.

Causes of water pollution

Apart from the industrial causes of water pollution, as we saw in the previous page, here
are some more:
Sewage and waste water
Every day, we cook, do laundry, flush the toilet, wash our cars, shower and do many
things that use water. Think about how we use water in schools, hospitals and public places.
In many developed communities, this waste water and soluble waste (called sewage) is
treated, cleaned and dumped into the sea or river. Even though they are treated, they are never
the same as fresh water.
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In some not-so-developed countries, the sewage is not treated, but quickly dumped into
the sea or water bodies. This is VERY dangerous because they contaminate the environment and
water bodies and bring many deadly diseases to us.

Septic Tanks
Every domestic (home) toilet is connected to septic tank usually located outside the house.
Each time poop is flushed down the toilet, it goes into this tank, where the solid part is separated
from the liquid part. Biological processes are used to break down the solids and the liquid is
usually drained out into a land drainage system. From this stage, it can escape into the soil and
nearby water bodies.
Ocean and marine dumping
Again, think of the rubbish we all make each day. Paper waste, food waste, plastic, rubber,
metallic and aluminum wastes are rubbish. In some countries, they are deposited into the sea. All
these waste types take time to decompose. For example, it is know that paper takes about 6
weeks, aluminum takes about 200 years and glass takes even more years. When these end up in
the sea, they harm sea animals and cause a lot of water animal deaths.

Underground storage and tube leakages

Many liquid products (petroleum products) are stored in metal and steel tubes underground.
Other sewage systems run in underground tubes. Overtime, they rust and begin to leak. If that
happens, they contaminate the soils, and the liquids in them end up in many nearby water bodies.

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Atmospheric
Atmospheric deposition is the pollution of water bodies caused by air pollution. Each time
the air is polluted with sculpture dioxide and nitrogen oxide, they mix with water particles in the
air and form a toxic substance. This falls as acid rain to the ground, and gets washed into water
bodies. The result is that, water bodies also get contaminated and this affects animals and water
organisms.
Effects of water pollution:
1. Human Health
We all drink water that comes from a source: this may be a lake or local river. In
countries that have poor screening and purification practices, people often get water-borne
disease outbreaks such as cholera and tuberculosis. Every year, there are an estimated 35
million cholera cases and 100,000120,000 deaths due to cholera In developed countries,
even where there are better purification methods, people still suffer from the health effects
of water pollution. Take toxins emitted by algae growth for instance: this can cause stomach
aches and rashes. Excess nitrogen in drinking water also poses serious risks to
infants. EPAs 2010 National Lakes Assessment found that almost 20 percent of the nations
lakes have high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. The report also showed that
poor lake conditions related to nitrogen or phosphorus pollution doubled the likelihood of
poor ecosystem health.

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2. Ecosystems

Nutrient pollution from upstream (creeks and streams) often flow downhill and
even travel miles into other larger water bodies. The effect is that, it breeds algae growth and
causes the growth of many more water organism. This algae attack affects fish and other aquatic
animals by absorbing and reducing their oxygen supply. Algae growth the also clogs fish gills,
smelter the entire food chain in there.
3. Death of animals
Animals, including water animals die when water is poisoned for various reasons.
Other animals are stressed and their populations are endangered. In a classic case of marine the
pollution in recent time, 16000 miles of a US coastline was affected by an oil spill. That water
pollution caused a lot of damage and deaths of many animals. Over 8,000 animals (birds, turtles,
mammals) were reported dead just 6 months after the spill, including many that are already on
the endangered species list. Immediate impact on the wildlife includes oil-coated birds and sea
turtles, mammal ingestion of oil, and dead or dying deep sea coral. Animals are also affected by
solid waste thrown into water bodies, as they harm them in many ways.
4. Economic cost
From the above it is evident that there are some real financial implications that will result
from water pollution. It can cost a lot more to purify drinking water that takes its source from
nutrient polluted water bodies. Fishing stock is affected negatively when there is a depletion of
oxygen. Consumers are also weary of fish from these sources and tend to stay away from them,
costing fisheries to lose revenue. In places where there are water activities or sports, lots of
money is spent to clean up the water from algae blooms and the like. The U.S. tourism industry
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loses close to $1 billion each year, mostly from losses in fishing and recreational activities
because of nutrient-polluted water bodies. In Mississippi alone, tourism in the three counties that
border the Gulf Coast accounts for about $1.6 billion in visitor expenditures, 32 percent of state
travel and tourism tax revenues, and 24,000 direct jobs.
Health impacts of water pollution
It is a well-known fact that clean water is absolutely essential for healthy living.
Adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings on the
earth, yet it has been observed that millions of people worldwide are deprived of this. Freshwater
resources all over the world are threatened not only by over exploitation and poor management
but also by ecological degradation. The main source of freshwater pollution can be attributed to
discharge of untreated waste, dumping of industrial effluent, and run-off from agricultural fields.
Industrial growth, urbanization and the increasing use of synthetic organic substances have
serious and adverse impacts on freshwater bodies. It is a generally accepted fact that the
developed countries suffer from problems of chemical discharge into the water sources
mainly groundwater, while developing countries face problems of agricultural run-off in water
sources. Polluted water like chemicals in drinking water causes problem to health and leads
to water-borne diseases which can be prevented by taking measures can be taken even at the
household level.
Water Pollution Diseases:
Polio (poliomyelitis)
Polio is an acute viral infectious disease caused by the agent poliovirus. It is an infantile
paralysis. It spreads from person-to-person from fecal-oral-route. It enters water through the
feces of an infected person. 90% of polio infections cause no symptoms at all but affected
individuals show a range of symptoms if the virus enters the blood stream. Factors like immune
deficiency; malnutrition increases the risk of polio infection. Polio can be prevented by
immunization with polio drops at birth, using clean water and by maintaining proper hygiene.
SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)
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SARS is a viral respiratory disease in humans caused by SARS coronavirus. It causes flu
including fever, cough, sore-throat and gastrointestinal symptoms. The virus manifests itself in
improperly treated water. It can be prevented by washing hands frequently, using alcohol based
cleaning rubs for hands if soap and water are not available, clean work place environment
regularly, use clean water and do not share your personal articles.
Malaria
Malaria is caused by a parasite which lay their larvae in still water. It begins with the bite of
an infected female ANOPHELES mosquito which introduces the protists through saliva in the
respiratory system. It causes symptoms which include fever and headache and in severe cases
can lead to coma and death. It also leads to respiratory distress that occur maximum in children
and leads to pneumonia and severe anaemia. So the Anopholes mosquito enter the blood,
causes fever, anemia, and many other complications and eventually death. By using pesticides
and mosquito nets, preventing mosquito bites, cleaning the garbage and not letting still water
outside the houses or in water coolers can help prevent malaria.

Lead poisoning
Exposure to lead causes many health problems especially to children. The pipes in buildings
are made of lead. Lead is a metal and gives no benefit to human beings. Too much lead can
damage many systems of our body including the nervous and reproductive system and the
kidney. It can cause high blood pressure and anemia. Lead can damage brain, cause convulsions,
coma and eventually death. People get exposed to lead through air they breathe, water, and
through food/ingestion. The main source of lead is from drinking water through lead piping and
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lead-combinig solders. So to prevent urself from lead poisoning water should be treated
regularly and if lead pipes cannot be removed, then cold water should be flushed through in the
morning before drinking.
Hepatitis A
It is an infectious disease of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus(HAV) usually spread by
fecal-oral route, person-to-person by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct
contact with infectious person. HAV infection produces a self-limited disease which does not
result in chronic infection or liver disease. In poor hygiene places, the risk of infection of virus is
high. The virus can manifest itself in water and food. It causes fatigue, fever, abdominal pain,
nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, jaundice and depression. So hepatitis A can be prevented by using
safe water, proper disposal of sewage and good hygiene and also by taking hepatitis A
vaccinations.
Cholera
Cholera is an infection in the small intestine caused by the bacteria vibrio chlorae. Its
symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. It is caused by drinking water or eating food that has been
contaminated by feces, i.e waste products of an infected person. When their untreated diarrheal
discharge gets into the water system such as groundwater or drinking water, it affects the other
people. Poorly cleaned vegetables irrigated by contaminated water sources are another symptom
of cholera. In places like refugee camps and villages with limited water resources and poor
sanitation conditions, a single affected victim can contaminate water for the entire population. So
if water served is cleaned properly the mortality rate can rise from 1% to 50%-60%.
Groundwater and its contamination
Many areas of groundwater and surface water are now contaminated with heavy metals,
POPs (persistent organic pollutants), and nutrients that have an adverse effect on health. Waterborne diseases and water-caused health problems are mostly due to inadequate and incompetent
management of water resources. Safe water for all can only be assured when access,
sustainability, and equity can be guaranteed. Access can be defined as the number of people who
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are guaranteed safe drinking water and sufficient quantities of it. There has to be an effort to
sustain it, and there has to be a fair and equal distribution of water to all segments of the society.
Urban areas generally have a higher coverage of safe water than the rural areas. Even within an
area there is variation: areas that can pay for the services have access to safe water whereas areas
that cannot pay for the services have to make do with water from hand pumps and other sources.
In the urban areas water gets contaminated in many different ways, some of the most
common reasons being leaky water pipe joints in areas where the water pipe and sewage line
pass close together. Sometimes the water gets polluted at source due to various reasons and
mainly due to inflow of sewage into the source. Ground water can be contaminated through
various sources and some of these are mentioned below.
Pesticides: Run-off from farms, backyards, and golf courses contain pesticides such as DDT that
in turn contaminate the water. Leech ate from landfill sites is another major contaminating
source. Its effects on the ecosystems and health are endocrine and reproductive damage in
wildlife. Groundwater is susceptible to contamination, as pesticides are mobile in the soil. It is a
matter of concern as these chemicals are persistent in the soil and water.
Sewage: Untreated or inadequately treated municipal sewage is a major source of groundwater
and surface water pollution in the developing countries. The organic material that is discharged
with municipal waste into the watercourses uses substantial oxygen for biological degradation
thereby upsetting the ecological balance of rivers and lakes. Sewage also carries microbial
pathogens that are the cause of the spread of disease.
Nutrients: Domestic waste water, agricultural run-off, and industrial effluents contain
phosphorus and nitrogen, fertilizer run-off, manure from livestock operations, which increase the
level of nutrients in water bodies and can cause eutrophication in the lakes and rivers and
continue on to the coastal areas. The nitrates come mainly from the fertilizer that is added to the
fields. Excessive use of fertilizers because nitrate contamination of groundwater, with the result
that nitrate levels in drinking water is far above the safety levels recommended. Good
agricultural practices can help in reducing the amount of nitrates in the soil and thereby lower its
content in the water.

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Synthetic organics: Many of the 100 000 synthetic compounds in use today are found in the
aquatic environment and accumulate in the food chain. POPs or Persistent organic pollutants
represent the most harmful element for the ecosystem and for human health, for example,
industrial chemicals and agricultural pesticides. These chemicals can accumulate in fish and
cause serious damage to human health. Where pesticides are used on a large-scale, groundwater
gets contaminated and this leads to the chemical contamination of drinking water.
Acidification: Acidification of surface water, mainly lakes and reservoirs, is one of the major
environmental impacts of transport over long distance of air pollutants such as sculpture dioxide
from power plants, other heavy industry such as steel plants, and motor vehicles. This problem is
more severe in the US and in parts of Europe.

Chemicals in drinking water

Chemicals in water can be both naturally occurring or introduced by human
interference and can have serious health effects.
Fluoride: Fluoride in the water is essential for protection against dental caries and weakening of
the bones, but higher levels can have an adverse effect on health. In India, high fluoride content
is found naturally in the waters in Rajasthan.
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Arsenic: Arsenic occurs naturally or is possibly aggrevated by over powering aquifers and by
phosphorus from fertilizers. High concentrations of arsenic in water can have an adverse effect
on health. A few years back, high concentrations of this element was found in drinking water in
six districts in West Bengal. A majority of people in the area was found suffering from arsenic
skin lesions. It was felt that arsenic contamination in the groundwater was due to natural causes.
The government is trying to provide an alternative drinking water source and a method through
which the arsenic content from water can be removed.
Disease
Water-borne diseases are infectious diseases spread primarily through contaminated water.
Though these diseases are spread either directly or through flies or filth, water is the chief
medium for spread of these diseases and hence they are termed as water-borne diseases.
Most intestinal (enteric) diseases are infectious and are transmitted through faecal waste.
Pathogens which include virus, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms are disease-producing
agents found in the faeces of infected persons. These diseases are more prevalent in areas with
poor sanitary conditions. These pathogens travel through water sources and interfuses directly
through persons handling food and water. Since these diseases are highly infectious, extreme
care and hygiene should be maintained by people looking after an infected patient. Hepatitis,
cholera, dysentery, and typhoid are the more common water-borne diseases that affect large
populations in the tropical regions.

Preventive measures
Water-borne epidemics and health hazards in the aquatic environment are mainly due to
improper management of water resources. Proper management of water resources has become
the need of the hour as this would ultimately lead to a cleaner and healthier environment.
In order to prevent the spread of water-borne infectious diseases, people should take
adequate precautions. The city water supply should be properly checked and necessary steps

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taken to disinfect it. Water pipes should be regularly checked for leaks and cracks. At home, the
water should be boiled, filtered, or other methods and necessary steps taken to ensure that it is
free from infection.
Prevention of water pollution
Dealing with water pollution is something that everyone needs to get involved with. Here
are a few things you can do to help. Learning about the issue is the greatest and most important
step to take. Here are a few more:
Never throw rubbish away anyhow. Always look for the correct waste bin. If there is
none around, please take it home and put it in your trash can. This includes places like the
beach, riverside and water bodies.
Use water wisely. Do not keep the tap running when not in use. Also, you can reduce the
amount of water you use in washing and bathing. If we all do this, we can significantly
prevent water shortages and reduce the amount of dirty water that needs treatment.
Do not throw chemicals, oils, paints and medicines down the sink drain, or the toilet. In
many cities, your local environment office can help with the disposal of medicines and
chemicals. Check with your local authorities if there is a chemical disposal plan for local
residents.
Buy more environmentally safe cleaning liquids for use at home and other public places.
They are less dangerous to the environment.
If you use chemicals and pesticides for your gardens and farms, be mindful not to overuse
pesticides and fertilizers. This will reduce runoffs of the chemical into nearby water
sources. Start looking at options of composting and using organic manure instead.
If you live close to a water body, try to plant lots of trees and flowers around your home,
so that when it rains, chemicals from your home does not easily drain into the water.

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Governments, local councils and laws

Many governments have very strict laws that help minimize water pollution. These laws
are usually directed at industries, hospitals, schools and market areas on how to dispose, treat and
manage sewage.
In many developed cities, waste or sewage treatment is very efficient, and designed to
minimize pollution of water bodies.
There are also lots of organizations and groups that help educate people on the dangers of
water pollution. It is always great to join these groups, because they regularly encourage other
members of their communities to have a better attitude towards water.

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CONCLUSION:

The ill-effects of global warming and climate change can be drastically reduced with the
adoption of production and consumption of eco-friendly fireworks. At this moment, proper
guidance, encouragement and support of the government and policy makers are essential to
implement the eco-friendly technology in the field of fireworks industries not only to save the
environment but also to provide green atmosphere to the generations to come. Now-a-days
modern developments in pyrotechnics are aimed at the use of nitrogen-rich compounds that burn
cleaner and produce less smoke. These environmentally friendly fireworks could also offer better
color quality and intensity than traditional fireworks. Keep in mind the responsibility towards the
society, the fireworks manufacturers would adopt their production strategy towards eco-friendly
fireworks. This study covers the awareness, acceptability and adaptability of eco-friendly
fireworks among fireworks owners in Sivakasi.

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