BIODIVERSITY AND DISEASES

Biodiversity degradation

Disturbances to biotic factors (temperature, light, water, humidity, wind, air currents, pH, topography, etc.) and abiotic factors (predation, competition, habitat, pollination and mimicry - resemblance between animals and part of a plant/species happens to be unpalatable to a predator) will lead to environmental resistance.

This is due to:

• shortage of food, water and oxygen
• low light intensity
• predators and parasites
• destruction of habitat
• diseases
• accumulation of toxic waste
• psychological factors
• harsh climate

Emergence of variant diseases

Accumulation of poisonous /hazardous substance incorporated into the physiological functions & systems of every living organisms , including microorganisms like bacteria.

Harmless microorganisms due to evolution undergoes rapid mutation of deleterious genes into pathogenic / viral microorganisms.

Diversifications with the existence of ‘superclasses’ of microorganisms (super virus) which are aggressive & invasive against the protective immunities provided by the immune systems in organisms.

More powerful & larger doses of medications, ranging from vaccines to antibiotics produced to battle & immunize against stronger pathogen attack

IMPACTS OF POLLUTION

IMPACTS:




Each kind of pollution has significant impacts to our everyday lives, affecting all living and non-living factors in the biosphere and the atmosphere and also involve socio-economic factors. These impacts have caused significant changes to the environment we are living in.
Impacts can be seen from the following aspects.

• Biodiversity degradation and diseases
• Food contamination and food web distortion
• Economical effects
• Alteration to geographical landscapes
• Climatic pattern change
• Ozone depletion and acid rain
• Alteration to lifestyle
• Reduced visibility/clarity of air

SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS

Complex chemical structure are non-biodegradable which accumulates and persists in soil, water and air can become toxic, thus a haphazard which in turns affects the physiology of living organisms in the contaminated ecosystems.

TRANSPORTATION

Convenience and alternatives to the mode of transportation worldwide sees an increase in emission of air pollutants as a result of fuel combustion and noise pollution from rail and commercial aircraft. The effects of this activity are:

• increase in emissions of air pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOC), persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
• excess heat emission as a result of heavy fuel combustion from increase use of vehicles
• annoyance and disturbances in intercity housing, with the centre and transportation hub situated

MACHINERIES

Increasing industrial activities with multiple productivity of goods by the extensive use of machineries resulted in extension of industries in rural areas, also the cause of increase in noise disturbance and heat accumulation.

The effects of this activity are:

• causes for irritation to daily activities
• cause for boilermaker's disease and hearing loss
• anxiety, nervousness and loss of sleep
• presbycusis
• sociocusis
• schizophonia
• excess heat emitted will return to environment, thus increasing mean surrounding temperature, leading to thermal pollution

certain hazardous materials which is part of the machine (i.e. cadmium in nuclear factor regulator) may wear off and released to environment

BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANT

Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continues to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest--your home. Many ordinary activities such as cooking, heating, cooling, cleaning, and redecorating can cause the release and spread of indoor pollutants at home. Studies have shown that the air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air.

Many Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, often at home. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air can have an important impact on health. People who are inside a great deal may be at greater risk of developing health problems, or having problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

Some common indoor biological pollutants are:

• Animal Dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin)
• Dust Mite and Cockroach parts
• Fungi (Molds)
• Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
• Pollen

Health Effects Of Biological Pollutants
All of us are exposed to biological pollutants. However, the effects on our health depend upon the type and amount of biological pollution and the individual person. Some people do not experience health reactions from certain biological pollutants, while others may experience one or more of the following reactions:

• Allergic
• Infectious
• Toxic

RADIOACTIVE POLLUTANTS