Most Dangerous Health Risks Associated With Consuming Contaminated Food and Water
Around 2 billion people across the world lack access to safe drinking water facilities in their homes. A large number of people also have no access to healthy food. These people have to rely on contaminated food and water at times, but this can prove to be deadly. While the underprivileged class is prone to such disastrous situations, the middle and upper classes aren’t safe either.
Consuming contaminated food and water can pose several health risks. Let’s take a look at some of the most common and dangerous risks posed by contaminated food and water.
Cancer
Cancer can affect any part of the body. It occurs when cells in the body become abnormal and grow out of control. These changes are caused by damage to genes or chromosomes, which can happen due to inherited conditions or environmental exposures, such as radiation and viruses.
In 2020 alone, cancer took the lives of 10 million people across the world. Smoking has always been seen as the prime reason behind such high death tolls and cancer cases. However, you must know that smoking or radiation aren’t the only things that lead to cancer.
Cancer is often triggered by chemical changes and reactions. That’s why contaminated food and water can cause cancer in the human body. The Camp Lejeune Incident is perhaps one of the best examples that showcase how contaminated food and water can lead to cancer.
Studying the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit files will help you realize the horror that unfolded in the Camp Lejeune area a few decades ago. As the local water source got contaminated, it became the source of many diseases, including cancer. It’s only recently that the Camp Lejeune victims are feeling relieved, thanks to the lawyers who are handling this negligence case.
However, this incident should also be a grave reminder to all, especially businesses and industries, that chemical contamination in food and water can lead to deadly outcomes, including cancer.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the most common health issue associated with contaminated food and water. It happens when harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites enter your body through your mouth and make their way into your digestive system. Once there, these organisms can cause diarrhea by making you sick to your stomach or causing nausea. Diarrhea leads to dehydration, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Dysentery
Dysentery is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. It has a high rate of transmission between people and can be treated with antibiotics. However, you can prevent it by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after going to the bathroom.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease that can be caused by eating contaminated food or water. It’s typically caused by a bacterial strain called Vibrio cholerae, which is found in warm oceans and coastal waters around the world.
Cholera symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting that lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Vaccines are available in some countries, but they aren’t guaranteed to prevent you from getting sick if you’re exposed. Therefore, always practice safe food handling techniques and ensure cleanliness around you as much as you can.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that causes fever and extreme exhaustion. It’s caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, which are found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The condition can be treated with antibiotics, but symptoms may take up to two weeks to go away completely.
Salmonella typhi is spread from person to person through contaminated food or water or by ingesting raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with this type of bacteria.
To avoid getting typhoid fever, wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating. That will help prevent germs from your hand from entering your food and then your body. You must also thoroughly clean meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits before cooking or eating.
E. Coli
There are many reasons why you may be exposed to E. coli. It can come from contaminated water or food, or it can develop in the intestines of people who have been infected with E. coli. Some common causes include:
- Improperly cooked meat and poultry or raw fruits and vegetables
- Faulty plumbing systems that allow fecal matter to spread through drinking water
- Swimming in contaminated lakes, rivers, ponds, or oceans
- Eating food prepared by someone who has handled raw meat without washing their hands first
By 2030, 19% of the global population will not have access to safe drinking water at home. Given how economically developed the world is supposed to be at that stage, this is a shocking revelation. The food situation won’t get any better, either. In such situations, people must be aware of the risks associated with consuming such contaminated and low-quality food and water.
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water can lead to a variety of health issues. In some cases, the symptoms are mild and go away quickly. In others, they can be life-threatening. The best way to avoid getting sick from these contaminants is by being careful about what goes into your body and following proper hygiene practices when preparing meals at home.
