COMMON WATER CONTAMINANTS & Their Effects on Health
TYLER SADEK | TYLERSADEK.ORG
the Risks ofContaminated Water
Water is essential for human health, but it can also contain harmful contaminants that can severely affect our health.
Contaminants can enter our water supply from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and improper disposal of household chemicals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common water contaminants and their effects on health.
LEAD
The toxic metal known as lead can enter our water supply through old pipes or plumbing fixtures.
Lead exposure can cause various health problems, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and decreased IQ in children. Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and adult reproductive problems.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can enter our water supply from geological deposits or agricultural runoff. Arsenic exposure can cause various health problems, including skin lesions, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
ARSENIC
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 effectively reduces tooth decay, excessive fluoride exposure can cause a condition known as fluorosis, leading to discolored or mottled teeth. In rare cases, high levels of fluoride exposure can also lead to skeletal fluorosis, a painful condition that affects the bones and joints.
NITRATE
Nitrate is a chemical commonly found in fertilizers and can enter our water supply through agricultural runoff 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 runoff 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 long-term health effects 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 affect aquatic life.
