The aim of this paper is to identify the common types of pollution in Zambia and to describe their causes, effects and possible solutions. Human activities that lead to pollution are a danger to the environment because they contaminate the environment with material that interfere with human health, the quality of life or the natural functioning of the living organisms and their surroundings. The common types of pollution in Zambia include: water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and solid waste.

According to Clancy (2002), Pollution is defined as human negligence with waste output violating the natural environment. Human beings since time unknown to date have been a major negligence and threat to the environment, this resulting in health hazardous conditions especially in towns, cities, growth points and mining centres where stinking garbage air frequently rules the day, the causes of pollution are chemicals, biological substances.

Water pollution in Zambia is brought about by many activities such as industrial waste from mines, disposal of human waste, plastics and dead animals in river systems. Further, washing and bathing in water is another form of water pollution common in less developed areas like villages and shanty compounds. Effluents from industries into the streams and rivers contaminate the water and when people use the water for domestic purposes people tend to be sick and other organism that consume the water become affected as well.

Air pollution is the contamination of indoor or outdoor air by a range of gases and solids that modify its natural characteristics. An air pollutant is a material in the air that can have adverse effects on humans and the ecosystem. However, the substance can be solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases, pollutant can be of natural or man-made. Pollutants are classified as primary or secondary, primary pollutants are usually produced from a process, such as ash from a volcanic eruption and carbon monoxide gas from motor vehicle exhaust and secondary pollutants are not emitted directly rather, they form in the air when primary pollutants react or interact, (Gauderman, 2004).

Air pollution is by far the most harmful form to the environment and health. According to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) this kind of pollution is caused by the injurious smoke emitted by vehicles, trains and factories, which discharge sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Even smoke from burning of wood for charcoal which is very common in Zambia and cigarette is harmful to the environment and human life. The burning of trees is a danger to the environment as it causes the extinction of trees and also emits carbon monoxide into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect. Zambia’s economy is highly based on mining and industrial activities, for this reason a lot harmful chemicals like sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide are emitted into the atmosphere causing acid rain when they get into contact with rain drops.

When sounds are played in order to create an effect they contribute to ones joy, but when they are irritating, destructive or dangerous to human health they are said to be noise pollution. This is brought about by road traffic, loud music from bars as well as noise from industrial machinery. Noise pollution affect the health of people such as ears and headache and people with blood pressure is increased if there is noise apart from this, noise also scares animals especially near to the industries due to the vibration of machineries.

Land pollution is generally caused by solid waste. Waste is anything that we can no longer find any suitable purpose for and therefore decides to throw it away. Generally most of the waste is found in urban areas this is because urban areas are major centres of production and use of goods. Solid waste can be classified into hazardous because it is health and life threatening such waste include radioactive waste, pesticides, medical waste, and poisons, (WHO, 2005). Waste that is not properly manage, especially excreta and other liquid and solid waste from households and the community, are a serious health hazard and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Moreover, unattended waste lying around attracts flies, rats and other creatures that in turn spread diseases such as cholera.

Normally it is the wet waste that decomposes and releases a bad odour which contaminates the atmosphere, this leads to unhygienic conditions and thereby to a rise in the health problems. In particular, organic domestic waste poses a serious threat, since they ferment, creating conditions favourable to the survival and growth of microbial pathogens. Braurer (2012), states that direct handling of solid waste can result in various types of infectious and chronic diseases with the waste workers being the vulnerable. Further, exposure to hazardous waste can affect human health, children being more vulnerable to these pollutants, in fact direct exposure can lead to diseases through chemical exposure as the release of chemical waste into the environment which leads to chemical poisoning.

Possible solutions and prevention measures may come from the government, institution or individuals. From the government measures to eliminate or reduce pollution may come in a form of policy, laws and strategies. The government can prevent air pollution by promoting renewable energy and to minimize burning of fossil fuels and formulating policies to industries so as to be responsible to control emissions of pollutants. Moreover, promoting proper waste management and by using machinery and vehicles that are environmental friendly. Examples of these are hybrid cars, solar appliances and other machinery that operates on green energy. By doing this we will reduce pollution hence reducing deaths of living organisms as well as securing a better future for the future generation, (EMA, 2011).

Each person has the ability to reduce the amount of pollution that humans create. As individuals we can reduce pollution of our environment and many species of plants and animals also will be healthier with fewer pollutants in their habitat, (World bank, 1999). Further, we should all, accept personal responsibility for the success of our local environmental protection programs by actively participating in making our atmosphere pollution free. Solution to pollution can include: disposing of hazardous chemicals properly and safe, to recycle used motor oil, to reduce, reuse and recycle first to reduce the amount of items you consume. Second, always reuse items and recycle what can be recycled. Moreover, to reduce auto emissions and walk or cycling to reduce traffic or use public transport.

All in all in all human beings since time unknown to date have been a major negligence and threat to the environment, this resulting in health hazardous conditions especially in towns and cities. Pollution is done anthropogenic through human’s activities and naturally. However, pollution prevention is a major global concern because of its harmful effects on people’s health and the environment. Everyone can help by educating themselves and doing what they can to adopt good and healthy practices.

                                       REFERENCES

Brauer, M. (2012) Transport for Health: the Global Burden of Disease from Motorized Road Transport.

Clancy, L., and Goodman, P. 2002. Effects of air pollution control on death rates in Dublin. Ireland press.

Environmental Management Act, 2011. Parliament of Zambia: Lusaka.

Gauderman, W. 2004. Impacts of air pollution on human health, ecosystems and cultural heritage. UCL Press.

Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook 1998 toward Cleaner Production, World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation, Washington D.C., 1999

World Health Organization. Air Quality Guidelines. Geneva, World Health Organization: Department of Protection of the Human Environment, 2005.

Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). Lusaka, Zambia.