Dangers of pollution, is the most visible the most dangerous?

There are situations in our daily life where what is contaminated becomes very visible, and that's why we reject it. For example, if we go to a beach and see that due to the proximity to a nearby factory the water is dirty; in that case, we will not approach it. But the dangers of pollution for people and for the planet go much further than what we consider harmful.

For example, have you thought about the substances that are the most polluting for your body? Undoubtedly, drinking contaminated water is one of them. Eating spoiled food can also cause health complications. But what about bad air?

Bad air is something that is not easily seen. At most, we can realize the dangers of air pollution when it is already very evident: in cases like a buildup of smoke in the environment or by an alarming bad smell. But in most cases, it is a damage that can go unnoticed.

In issues due to excess humidity at home, to give one example, many people do not realize that they are suffering from a type of pollution. They also do not notice that such humidity causes them, among other problems, respiratory disorders, allergic reactions, or drowsiness.

Even more harmful may be if the air in our home is contaminated with radon gas, as this poison is very difficult to detect and is a cause of lung cancer.

It is extremely important to know the dangers of pollution and also the main causes of this atmospheric problem that affects us all.

The main dangers of pollution

Contaminated air or rivers and seas in poor condition are a consequence of excessive pollution and a lack of environmental awareness. Together we can reverse this situation, although it is advisable to know which pollutants most affect our planet. First globally, and then in our homes.

Rechargeable batteries are one of the biggest pollutants that dirty the atmosphere and the air. Composed of lead and sulfuric acid, they contain a high number of pollutants and toxic metals. They mainly affect water and soil pollution. To combat it, the solution lies in recycling batteries.

Mining is one of the industries that most affects the population and the planet. Lead, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are highly polluting, and their extraction significantly impacts climate change.

In many developing countries, excessive use of coal is one of the biggest air pollutants. In China, coal is still used instead of other renewable sources, and it is one of the reasons why the Asian country is always among the most polluted places on the planet and where breathing is most difficult.

At a household level, whenever we can do without coal or firewood to heat homes, we can avoid the respiratory problems that this type of traditional heating systems can cause.

The use of pesticides, so necessary in agriculture to eliminate pests, is another of the great pollutants. Around two million metric tons of pesticides are used each year globally. The problem is that their effects can be really harmful to people, leading to cancer in some cases. To avoid contributing to this pollution, we can opt for organic or sustainable foods.

At home, the use of aerosols and other chemical products is similar to that of pesticides but on a smaller scale. It is not advisable to use insecticides unless strictly necessary, and whenever it is done, it should be done in a controlled manner and airing the rooms immediately afterward.

Another of the great dangers of air pollution is the possible emergence of undetectable poisons. Radon gas is one of them, as it is generated underground in some Spanish homes. However, it is not the only one. As previously mentioned, carbon monoxide is another of the possible pollutants that can appear if we use combustion systems to heat a home.

While radon gas slowly affects the inhabitants of a home and can lead to complications over time that could result in lung cancer, carbon monoxide poisoning is much quicker. And all this without producing any kind of smoke or odors. When someone is exposed to it, they simply feel sleepy and drowsy. It produces a sweet death, in which those affected do not realize what is happening. Its greatest danger lies in the fact that a single exposure to carbon monoxide can be lethal.

That is why we must control the dangers of pollution, not only in what we see but in what is not palpable. Like air pollution, a poison that can be very harmful to people and to the environment.