Causes And Effects Of Land Pollution

People across the globe have been facing a number of health problems caused due to the pollution of land, water and air. Talking about land pollution, it has some of the most devastating effects on both nature and living beings. Land pollution is characterized by the contamination of Earth's surface, where humans and other creatures live. One of the major causes of land pollution is human activities. Given below is complete information about the main causes and harmful effects of land pollution.

Causes of Land Pollution

Increase in urbanization is one of the major causes of land pollution. Construction uses up forestland. This leads to the exploitation and destruction of forests. There is more demand for water. Reservoirs are built resulting in the loss of land.
The disposal of non-biodegradable wastes, including containers, bottles and cans made of plastic, used cars and electronic goods, leads to the pollution of land.
Agricultural wastes including the waste matters produced by crop, animal manure and residues of the farm land are one of the major causes of land pollution. The pesticides and fertilizers used by farmers to increase the crop yield, leaches into the nearby land areas and pollutes them.
The process of mining leads to the formation of piles of coal and slag. When these wastes are not disposed through proper channel, they are accumulated and contaminate the land.
Industrial wastes are major contributors of land pollution. Dumping of toxic materials such as chemicals and paints makes the areas surrounding the industries, look very filthy.
Improper treatment of sewage leads to the accumulation of solids, such as biomass sludge. These solid wastes overflow through the sewage, making the entire area look dirty.
Burning of solid fuels leads to the formation of ashes, which is yet another cause of land pollution.
Although domestic and industrial wastes are collected and recycled or burnt in incinerators, a large amount of rubbish is left untreated. These are then dumped into grounds, leading to land pollution.
Garbage dumped by people makes the streets unhealthy, unfit and dirty to reside in. The waste matter usually consists of leftover food, fruit and vegetable peels and other non decomposable solid materials such as glass, cloth, plastic, wood, paper etc.

Harmful Effects Of Land Pollution

Tonnes and tonnes of domestic wastes are dumped every day. Since people do not follow proper methods for the disposal of such wastes, it leaves the places look dirty and makes them unhealthy.
Land pollution indirectly affects the respiratory system of human beings. Breathing in polluted dust or particle can result in a number of health problems related to the respiratory system.
Skin problems are often diagnosed due to land pollution. It is said that the improper disposal of household wastes leads to allergic reactions on the skin.
Land pollution has been found as one of the leading causes for birth defects. Pregnant women living in unhealthy and dirty environment can incur breathing problems and a number of diseases, which may affect the health of the baby as well.
Land pollution has serious effect on wildlife. Flora, which provides food and shelter to wildlife, are destroyed.
Land pollution often disrupts the balance of Nature, causing human fatalities.

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