| Is Bottled Water Truly Safe? |
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The dangers of pollutants and contaminants in the water we drink A study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) indicates bottled water sold in the United States and Australia is not cleaner or safer than tap water. The NRDC's study tested more than 103 brands of bottled water and found that some brands were significantly contaminated, containing bacteria, arsenic and synthetic organic chemicals. Bottled water is subject to less rigorous testing and purity standards than those that apply to city tap water. It is also not required to be tested as frequently as city tap water and bottled water rules allow for some contamination by E. Coli (which means your bottled water can possibly be contaminated with fecal matter!!). Contaminants in Tap Water Generally, tap water comes from municipal lakes, rivers, or other sources. This has now been deemed as unsafe for drinking. There are times where the tap water that comes from the municipal lakes and rivers can be contaminated by old pipelines and such. When water sits motionless overnight, such as a faucet, toxic metals have more of a chance to reach in the water from pipes and plumbing fixtures. Most common toxic is lead that may be in the pipes. Common Water Pollutants A water filter is a good idea for removing any unwanted pollutants or poisons, which many of us are drinking unknowingly. These contaminants can cause illness or disease and can be especially life threatening for people with suppressed immune systems such as HIV/AIDS and cancer patients. Water can be contaminated either naturally or by chemicals introduced in the water supply from agriculture, industry, leaking septic systems or other means. Ground water from deep wells is normally relatively pure and free of biological contamination. However, contamination may occur if wells are installed improperly or if surface water enters the well. If your water comes from surface water (lakes and rivers), this water is normally polluted and must be treated. The following is a list of common water contaminants, as well as their common sources and health effects, found in both public and private drinking water supplies across the U.S. and Canada and Australia. Some common water pollutants Asbestos Common Sources: Asbestos can leak into your water supply from natural deposits or asbestos cement in water systems. Health Effects: Asbestos can cause cancer Arsenic Common Sources: Water contamination can result from natural deposits, glass or electronic waste. Health Effects: Arsenic can cause toxicity in the nervous system. Cadmium Common Sources: Cadmium can occur in water from natural deposits, batteries or paints. Health Effects: Cadmium can cause kidney disorders. Chlorine Common Sources: Used as a disinfectant by most city drinking water treatments plants. Health Effects: Chlorine-treated water can taste and smell bad. Chlorine and its by-product, trihalomethanes, can cause cancer of the liver, rectum, colon, bladder and stomach. Chlorine can also be absorbed through the skin and inhaled while in the shower. There is some evidence which suggests chlorine may pose serious health risks when it is absorbed or ingested over a long period of time. There is also evidence that chlorine can destroy protein in our body. Cryptosporidium & Giardia Common Sources: These are PARASITES normally caused by animal or human feces, but can also be caused by contaminated food products. Land runoff carries the parasites into surface water (lakes, streams and rivers). This microorganism has a hard protective shell that defends it from chlorine, which is the most common disinfectant for city water treatment. Because of their natural defense to chlorine, these cysts can pass through into your drinking water. Health Effects: Cryptosporidium can cause flu-like symptoms that can be life threatening for persons with sup-pressed immune systems, such as those with HIV/ AIDS and cancer patients. Mercury Common Sources: Water contamination can result from natural deposits, crop runoff, batteries and electrical switches. Health Effects: Mercury can cause kidney and nervous system disorders. Copper Common Sources: Direct and indirect water contamination can result from natural or industrial deposits, wood preservatives or plumbing. Health Effects: Copper can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation. |
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