A major part of water pollution is caused by potential health-threatening micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. There are three main sources of contamination: Someone somewhere is always carrying pathogens (very small disease-carrying organisms) in his or her body, whether they make the person ill or not. Human pathogens get into the waste water via toilets. All animals carry a quantity of micro-organisms in their digestive system that are potentially threatening for humans.

Many studies have looked at this topic. A U.S. committee on environmental health that has reviewed many of these studies has concluded that there is no link between cancer in humans and fluoride levels. And although some studies suggest that increased bone fragility may be linked to higher rates of exposure, we don't know yet for certain as there are too many factors involved. Like many natural substances, fluoride can be harmful in excessive amounts. See similar questions...

The first thing to do is go to the doctor! Explain that you have been in water that may have been polluted and they should be able to tell you if this is a likely cause (and prescribe any medication you require). Fill in our on line medical response form, which asks for details about when and where you entered the water and what your symptoms were (this information is kept confidential). It is not necessary that you have been to the doctor to fill in this form - all information helps. See similar questions...

The most common diseases caught from surfing or swimming in sewage-polluted water are gastroenteritis (often resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting) or ear, nose and throat infections. As well as these, pathogens in sewage such as Hepatitis A and E. coli 0157 can cause much more serious, potentially life threatening, illnesses. See similar questions...

Surface sources of drinking water are easily prone to pollution because of the direct flow of pollutants. Pollutants either get dissolved in water or adhere themselves to the soil particles, and reach surface water sources through runoff and erosion. Groundwater is also at risk from pollution. Groundwater pollution mainly happens from the pollutants that are soluble in water and percolate to the groundwater source with the recharge. See similar questions...

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov). Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted. The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Western Africa including Ghana . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). See similar questions...

Limb Loss is more often the result of, rather than the cause of other health problems. Since the loss of a limb can result in decreased activity, the risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle may be increased. Residual limb and phantom pain, as well as skin problems associated with prosthesis use are also common. See similar questions...

Independent scientific institutions around the world review relevant research as it is published. The consensus of these expert groups is that there is no demonstrable evidence of a risk to human health from mobile phone use. The GSMA however, continues to support international quality research into this question. See similar questions...

The water you use doesn't go away. Whatever goes down the drain ends up at the treatment plant. While the plant effectively removes "settleable" and organic materials, it is not designed to remove certain chemicals and metals. When toxic chemicals get dumped or rinsed down household drains, they pass through the system largely untreated and end up in the Bay where they may threaten sensitive aquatic life. See similar questions...

While several older studies suggested an increased risk of prostate cancer in men after vasectomy, more recent studies have shown no evidence for increased risk. Other potential health problems, including heart and vascular disease, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders, have also been suspected in a few studies in the past. To date there is no conclusive […] Read more ... See similar questions...

PCBs, methylmercury, PFCs and dioxins build up in your body over time. It may take months or years of regularly eating contaminated fish to accumulate levels which are a health concern. As you follow the fish advisory, the amount of methylmercury you take into your body is safely eliminated between meals. Large amounts of mercury may harm the nervous system. See similar questions...

Recent studies in the peer-reviewed medical literature indicate that fluoridated water can have detrimental side effects. Health risks associated with low-to-moderate doses of fluoride include: dental fluorosis; bone fracture; bone cancer; joint pain; skin rash, reduced thyroid activity; and IQ deficits. See similar questions...

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks to allow the piercing to heal. They contain an abundant amount of organisms that can be potentially harmful to the piercing, and the piercing is usually not strong enough to defend against an invader. If you must go swimming use a waterproof bandage over the piercing and clean it as soon as you get out of the water to prevent an infection from developing. See similar questions...

Thirty-six counties and New York City Health Department have direct oversight of the public drinking water systems within their jurisdiction. Public water systems within the remaining twenty-one counties in the state are directly regulated by staff in one of the nine State Health Department district offices. Find your local health contact information using the interactive map provided. See similar questions...

Yes. Besides some undesirable behaviors for a pet that a whole male may exhibit, there are health risks for whole males such as testicular cancer. Neutering a male will eliminate any chances of testicular cancer, they will be less likely to contract diseases such as FeLV and FIV, have a decreased risk of mammary cancer, they will not suffer abscesses from fighting other cats, and they will be less likely to develop "stud tail", caused by overactive glands in the tail. See similar questions...

Wetting is typically a source of embarrassment, so the risks are not generally related to health but to the individual's self-esteem. It can lead to difficulties in adjusting in society, such as trouble making friends, not achieving higher levels of education and problems in the workplace. See similar questions...