Tyler Sadek | Common Water Contaminants and Their Effects on Health

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Common Water Contaminants and Their Eects on Health

by Tyler Sadek | Apr 10, 2023 | tyler sadek, water

Water is essential for human health, but it can also contain harmful contaminants that can severely aect our health. Contaminants can enter our water supply from various sources, including agricultural runo, industrial pollution, and improper disposal of household chemicals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common water contaminants and their eects on health.

Lead

The toxic metal known as lead can enter our water supply through old pipes or plumbing xtures. Lead exposure can cause various health problems, including developmental delays, learning diculties, and decreased IQ in children. Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and adult reproductive problems.

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Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can enter our water supply from geological deposits or agricultural runo. Arsenic exposure can cause various health problems, including skin lesions, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly used to disinfect water. While it helps to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, it can also react with naturally occurring organic matter in water to form toxic byproducts known as trihalomethanes (THMs). Exposure to THMs through our drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in children.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral added to many public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. While it eectively reduces tooth decay, excessive uoride exposure can cause a condition known as uorosis, leading to discolored or mottled teeth. In rare cases, high levels of uoride exposure can also lead to skeletal uorosis, a painful condition that aects the bones and joints.

Nitrate

Nitrate is a chemical commonly found in fertilizers and can enter our water supply through agricultural runo or improperly maintained septic systems. Exposure to high nitrate levels can be particularly harmful to infants, as it can lead to a condition known as “blue baby syndrome,” which can cause shortness of breath, blue skin, and even death.

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests and weeds in agricultural settings. They can enter our water supply through agrarian runo or improperly disposed containers. Pesticide exposure has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in children.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals are drugs that are used to treat or prevent medical conditions. When prescribed by a doctor, these drugs are safe for medical needs or diagnosis. However, they are very harmful when they contaminate our drinking water. They can enter our water supply through improper disposal or be excreted by humans or animals. While the longterm health eects of exposure to pharmaceuticals in drinking water are not yet fully understood, studies have shown that exposure to certain drugs, such as hormones and antibiotics, can adversely aect aquatic life.

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Water contaminants can have severe eects on our health. While public water supplies are treated to remove harmful contaminants, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and protect yourself and your family. These steps include using a water ltration system, properly disposing of household chemicals, and avoiding pesticides and other harmful chemicals. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that our drinking water is safe and healthy.

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