the environment and its effects on health: water quality Flashcards
Why is good water quality critical for health?
Good water quality is essential for hydration, sanitation, and hygiene, which prevent the spread of diseases.
Name three water-borne diseases caused by poor water quality.
Cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
What is the second leading cause of death in children under 5 globally?
Diarrhoeal diseases.
How does limited access to clean water affect sanitation in low-income countries?
People often use the same water supply for dumping waste, washing, and drinking, leading to contamination by faecal matter and disease spread.
How can pathogens in contaminated water enter the body?
Through ingestion, open wounds, or accidental consumption when bathing or eating from dirty washed items.
What are toxicants, and how do they affect water quality?
Toxicants are harmful substances that enter water supplies, potentially poisoning or killing those who consume or use the water.
Give two examples of how water can become contaminated with harmful chemicals.
Factories dumping toxic waste into water supplies and insecticides/pesticides entering water after rainfall.
What is a real-world example of water pollution from factories?
Isnapur Lake near drug factories in Hyderabad, India, where residents often rely on polluted water for lack of alternatives.
