What Contaminants Are in Your Water?
In the US, it is estimated that 20-25% of citizens get their drinking water from systems that violate the Safe Drinking Water Act. These water quality breaches range from insufficient water testing to the allowance of high levels of lead, nitrates, arsenic, and other pollutants. With an aging water infrastructure and a massive lack of solid reporting procedures, millions of Americans are exposed to contaminants such as fluoride, bacteria, and radioactive chemicals.
Depending on the source of contamination and the level of overall exposure, health effects may include an increased risk of developing cancer in the skin, bladder, and kidney. Additional effects include permanent brain damage, developmental disabilities in children, and a host of other complications. Below, we will explore the top ten contaminants found in drinking water.
Top Ten Contaminants in Water
1. Chlorine
While the intentions behind adding chlorine to water may seem pure, it actually harms the human body in many cases. This chemical is intentionally added to water to kill germs and pathogens; however, combined with other organic compounds, it can create harmful byproducts. Among these dangerous byproducts is a group of chemicals known as trihalomethanes (TMHs), which are linked to increased risk of cancer and kidney problems. Even at very low levels, chlorine can expose people to a parasite called giardia, which causes cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.
2. Copper
As your pipes age, they may release copper into your drinking water. If you look at your pipes and notice a greenish color, this may be a sign that your water contains elevated levels of copper. Copper is not a huge health issue in small doses; however, continued high levels of exposure can lead to health problems like anemia or liver and kidney damage.
3. Lead
Studies show that almost 33% of the water systems in the US contain lead. While lead-containing service lines were banned from the US plumbing system in 1986, they can still be found throughout much of the country's drinking water infrastructure. Lead generally enters drinking water by leaching from corroded pipes and adjacent plumbing features. When children are exposed to this harmful pollutant, they can suffer from permanent brain damage. In adults, lead exposure can lead to reproductive issues and seizures.
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4. Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element often found in the earth’s crust. One of the most important agricultural centers in the US, the Central Valley of California, has been plagued with toxic levels of arsenic in local water supplies due to excess groundwater pumping. Once in the body, arsenic can increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and is also shown to cause brain development issues in young children.
5. Fluoride
One of the most common contaminants in water is Fluoride. Fluoride is added to water because it is proven to prevent tooth decay, which is why it is also a significant ingredient in toothpaste. A study found that children living in areas with high fluoride levels in their water had lower IQ levels than children with lower levels. While the US Department of Health has lowered the recommended amount of fluoride in public water systems, it is still ingested by over 60% of the country’s population.
6. Nitrate
Similar to arsenic, nitrate can be found in groundwater sources and typically enters our water supply through fertilizers or septic systems. While adults are mostly immune to the poisonous effects of nitrate, the chemical can be very harmful to infants who drink more water than their body weight. Short-term exposure to nitrate can significantly reduce the level of oxygen in an infant's blood, often leading to methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby disease.”
7. Mercury
Mercury can work its way into well water through multiple sources, including discarded household products like paint. When high doses of this chemical get inside the body over short periods, you may experience damage to your nervous system and kidneys, as well as developmental issues associated with unborn children.
8. PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA, is one of the most deadly chemicals found in the US water supply. This chemical, the “nonstick” compound often found in Teflon, prevents food from clinging to the pan and has been said to increase the risk of high cholesterol, colon ulcers, and testicular cancer.
9. Microorganisms
While bacteria are everywhere, some can be harmful to the human body. Drinking water containing pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, and E. coli can cause various illnesses.
10. Manganese
As another naturally occurring mineral found in the earth's crust, Manganese is often ingested through food; however, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that 9 million Americans drink water that contains a significant amount of manganese. This mineral can be toxic to children when too much enters the body through food and water ingestion.
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