CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 1.1. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY Pollution is contamination by a chemical or any agent that renders part of the environment unfit for man or other living organisms. Pollution damages the land, water and air. It results in contamination of the earth’s environment with materials that interfere with human health, the quality of life and the natural functioning of ecosystems. Pollution is usually caused by human actions but can also be the consequence of natural disasters (Rao, 2006). A pollutant is defined as a substance that occurs in the environment as a result of human activities and which has a deleterious effect on the environment (Moriarity, 1990). Domestic, industrial and agricultural processes and other sources produce large quantities of waste products that cause rapid changes to the environment. Exposure to the pollutant at sufficiently high concentrations can cause a variety of health effects (Dara, 2002). 1.1.1 Environmental Pollution There has been increasing concern chemicals in the environment. Such concern has arisen in response to the widespread distribution of chemicals stemming from human activities and the potentially harmful effects of those chemicals on humans or on the ecological systems. As nations develop their industrial activities, the production and use of chemicals rise in parallel to the standard of living and the consequent increase in the life expectancy (Adepetu & Eziashi, 1998). Technology has made it possible for people to live longer in comfort and with greater leisure. Environmental deterioration threatens our well being when air, water or food become contaminated (Eisenbud, 1979).

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