Nothing is more refreshing after a strenuous work-out than drinking water. Although water is probably the most beneficial beverage on the planet, it can also carry significant health risks for the unwary drinker. What are drinking water contaminants?Drinking water can contain millions of unexpected and unwanted particulates, compounds or even living organisms. The Safe Drinking Water Act defines the term “contaminant” as meaning any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water. Therefore, the law defines “contaminant” very broadly as being anything other than water molecules.
Common contaminants fall into a few basic categories: biological chemical radiological Let’s take a look at each type of contaminant and the problems they can cause. Biological contaminantsMicroorganisms Cryptosporidium and giardia, the top two micro-organisms found in drinking water, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. Legionella, the third most common micro-organism found in water, causes Legionnaire’s Disease, a type of pneumonia. Chemical ContaminantsDisinfectants We add disinfectants to water to help control microbial development. The disinfectants can cause eye and nose irritation, stomach discomfort and anemia. Chlorine dioxide can cause anemia and nervous system effects in infants and young children. Disinfection byproducts Disinfecting water produces potentially harmful byproducts. Although the hazardous chemicals appear in small concentration, all of these byproducts have been linked to increased risk for cancer. Chlorite is associated with anemia and, in infants and small children, nervous system effects. TTHMS are associated with liver, central nervous system and kidney problems. Inorganic chemicals Inorganic chemicals are generally types of metals and come from a variety of sources including:
Chemicals include antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, cyanide, fluoride, lead, mercury, nitrate, nitrite, selenium and thallium. The chemicals cause a host of problems including high blood pressure, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal damage, skin damage and increased risk of cancer. Organic chemicals Organic chemicals are compounds that contain the element carbon. Carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and vinyl chlorides are just three of a long list of organic chemicals currently found in water supplies. A more complete list can be found on the EPA website. These chemicals pose a threat to almost every system of the human body including skin, nervous system, circulatory system, liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid glands, adrenal glands, reproductive system, eyes and stomach. In addition, they also put their victim at an increased risk for cancer. RadiologicalRadiological chemicals contain small degrees of radiation. They are produced by the decay of radioactive substances. Radionuclides The two most common radionuclides found in drinking water are radium and uranium. Both of these find their way into water sources through erosion of natural deposits. Prolonged ingestion of these contaminants can lead to kidney poisoning and increased risk of cancer. Is your public system tap water safe?Even public water supply systems are plagued with a variety of potentially harmful contaminants and micro-organisms. Although more regulated than private drinking water supplies from wells, public water systems frequently have outbreaks from contaminants. Types of ContaminantsThe CDC provides a list of the most common causes of outbreaks in the public water system.
Giardia Sources
Health concerns The presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immuno-compromised persons may be especially susceptible to illness. Many harmful contaminants are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA makes sure that water meets certain standards, so you can be sure that high levels of contaminants are not in your water. Solutions Whether your drinking water comes from a private well or a public water system it can be contaminated. But, there is good news. Scientists and other water specialists have developed a number of methods for treating water – from private and public sources. Be sure to look for the second installment in this series to learn about Basic Water Treatment. ConclusionIs your drinking water contaminated? You cannot tell just by looking at it. Let us help. Call Knoxville Water Treatment today and schedule your free water testing appointment. The post Drinking Water Contaminants appeared first on KNOXVILLE WATER TREAMENT | Water filters & Softeners | Water Purification Systems. from http://knoxvillewatertreatment.com/drinking-water-contaminants/
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ABOUT USWater is a significant wellspring of life and it should be drawn nearer in that capacity. As it were, you need to focus on the condition of your water supply at all circumstances. Debased water convey such a variety of various sorts of dangers, and many individuals still neglect to acknowledge how unsafe these dangers truly are. This is the reason we at Knoxville Water Treatment try to offer the best administrations as far as conveying solid water, since it can spare lives. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |