Top Toxins Found in Your Drinking Water
Water quality has become a prominent issue, however the leading events of this kind in Flint, Michigan have exposed how much pollution of water can be attributed to poor governance. But then, it has not been the first time that water quality issues have been associated with industrial dumping, pesticide run-off, leaky storage tanks and regulatory lapses. So let’s examine some of the most worrisome contaminants that may be lurking in your tap water.
Fluoride
Fluoride was introduced in the 1940s as a strategy for combating tooth decay however it is now recognized as a neurotoxin and an endocrine disrupter. Still, there are potential health risks associated with fluorides such as calcification of the pineal gland and interference with thyroid functioning. For instance, many countries across the globe have banned water fluoridation while at least some cities in America have followed suit.
Chlorine
While chlorine kills germs effectively from drinking water but when it comes into contact with organic matter harmful substances are formed. Additionally exposure to chlorine results to respiratory problems and damages cells which could lead to long term effects like memory loss or loss of balance while walking.
Danger of Lead
The fact that Flint crisis can be connected with risks of a lead contamination is obvious. Young children are particularly vulnerable to its detrimental effects such as developmental problems, failure to grow properly, and cognitive deficiencies. Furthermore, exposure to lead during pregnancy can increase the chances of getting born prematurely and cause several health disorders.
Mercury Poisoning
In spite of being naturally occurring, mercury is a very poisonous substance and has severe health hazards including brain impairment, nerve damage, and cognitive handicap. Mercury pollution resulting from industrial activities which may spread globally through atmospheric transport.
PCBs
Even though they were banned in 1979, PCBs continue to persist in the environment resulting in human health hazards. These chemicals used in various industrial applications have been known to be carcinogenic and toxic to immune system, reproductive system and nervous system.
Arsenic
Industrial processes as well as poor waste disposal practices may result into arsenic contamination. When one gets exposed to arsenic he or she may suffer from gastrointestinal problems, skin cancer and even death for extreme situations.
Perchlorate
Perchlorates are common contaminants of ground water due to military/industrial activities; they impair thyroid function on a large scale e.g., Colorado River etc..
Dioxins
Upon release during processes of combustion, dioxins are known to be carcinogenic and can cause respiratory problems, immune system depression and reproductive issues. Birth defects may also result from exposure over the long term.
DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane)
An insecticide formerly used in the past, DDT has remained an issue for its environmental persistence and adverse effects on reproductive health. Animal studies have shown that liver damage and cancer are associated with exposure to DDT.
HCB (Hexachlorobenzene)
This substance is banned as a pesticide but remains a risk due to its formation as a byproduct of chemical manufacturing. This leads to liver disease and skin lesions in case of HCB exposure, which may turn into serious cancers.
Dacthal
A herbicide still being used today, dacthal can contaminate soil or water sources thereby causing damage to various body organs/systems.
MtBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether)
MtBE serves as a gasoline additive that contaminates groundwater leading to kidney injury among other fetal development complications or abnormalities.
While boiling water helps to remove harmful organisms from it by killing them, it cannot get rid of toxic chemicals. To ensure drinking safe water, you should consider buying a high-quality water filter or choose glass bottled distilled water instead. Also take precautions against health risks arising from tainted supplies through staying informed about local waters’ quality levels.Share your water quality experiences in the comments below.
References
- “Are You Fluoridated? – Kelly Brogan MD.” 2015. 8 Mar. 2016.
- “Toxicological Profile for Chlorophenols.” ATSDR’s Toxicological Profiles Web Version (2002): n. pag. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- Facts about Chlorine.” CDC. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- O’Malley, Gerald F., DO. “Chlorine Toxicity.” : Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology.Medscape, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- Cecil, Kim M., Christopher J. Brubaker, Caleb M. Adler, Kim N. Dietrich, Mekibib Altaye, John C. Egelhoff, Stephanie Wessel, Ilayaraja Elangovan, Richard Hornung, Kelly Jarvis, and Bruce P. Lanphear. “Decreased Brain Volume in Adults with Childhood Lead Exposure.” PLoS Medicine. Public Library of Science, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Learn about Lead.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Relationship between chronic lead toxicity and plasma neurotransmitters in autistic patients from Saudi Arabia.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- Telisman, Spomenka, Bozo Colak, Alicia Pizent, Jasna Jurasovic, and Petar Cvitkovic. Lead Toxicity May Be Associated with Reproductive Toxicity and Prostate Cancer Initiation in Men.” GreenMedinfo, 16 June 2007. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Basic Information about Mercury.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Learn about Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)” EPA.gov. EPA, 8 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Health Effects of PCBs.” EPA.gov. EPA, 13 Jun. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Arsenic.” World Health Organization, Dec. 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Technical Fact Sheet – Perchlorate.” EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.): n. pag. EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, Jan. 2014. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Learn about Dioxin.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 10 Dec. 2015. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “Dioxins and Their Effects on Human Health.” World Health Organization. World Health Organization, June 2014. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
- “DDT – A Brief History and Status.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 5 Nov. 2015. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- “DDT.” Eco-USA. Eco-USA, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- “IARC Monographs Evaluate DDT, Lindane, and 2,4-D.” International Agency for Research on Cancer (n.d.): n. pag. IARC. World Health Organization, 23 June 2015. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- “Hexachlorobenzene.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, Jan. 2000. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- “Issues: Health. Healthy Milk, Healthy Baby: Chemical Pollution and Mother’s Milk: Hexachlorobenzene.” NRDC. National Resources Defense Council, 22 May 2001. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- Us Epa, Office Of Water (Ow). “Summary from the Health Advisory (HA) for Dacthal and Dacthal Degradates (Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid and Monomethyl Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid).” Summary from the Health Advisory for Dacthal and Dacthal Degradates (Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid (n.d.): n. pag. EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- Cox, By Caroline. “DCPA (Dacthal).” Journal of Pesticide Reform 11.3 (1991): 17-20. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- “Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE): Drinking Water.” EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
- “MTBE: What Is MTBE?” Cancer.org. American Cancer Society, 17 July 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
Outcomes might vary. Information provided is for education and should not be seen as a substitute for your doctor’s opinion. Whole House Water Filtration does not give medical advice, prescribe or diagnose diseases. The opinions and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to replace the conventional medical service. For severe medical condition or health concern see your physician.