Which Pollution Causes Jaundice?

Correct Answer: A. Water

Water pollution is directly linked to the spread of jaundice, a disease that affects the liver and leads to yellowing of the skin and eyes. This condition is often caused by viral infections, especially Hepatitis A and E, which are transmitted through contaminated water sources. So, the correct option is A) Water.

🔬 How Water Pollution Leads to Jaundice

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances like industrial waste, sewage, and human excreta contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater. In areas where sanitation is poor or where drinking water is untreated, people are at high risk of contracting waterborne diseases, including jaundice.

Viruses such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E enter the body through oral ingestion of polluted water. Once inside, they target the liver cells, causing inflammation and impairing liver function. This leads to a buildup of bilirubin, the pigment responsible for the yellow discoloration seen in jaundice.

🧪 Common Sources of Waterborne Jaundice Infections

• Drinking untreated water from contaminated rivers or wells
• Eating food washed with polluted water
• Poor sewage disposal systems
• Open defecation near water sources

🧠 Symptoms of Jaundice

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

🩺 Prevention Tips

• Always boil or filter drinking water
• Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene
• Avoid street food in areas with poor water quality
• Ensure safe disposal of human and industrial waste

Being aware of the connection between water pollution and jaundice is vital, especially for biology students preparing for board exams. Not only does this topic link to environmental science, but it also highlights the real-world implications of pollution on human health. Water pollution is the main cause of jaundice, and tackling it requires both environmental awareness and public health action.

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