Health Issues
The most common health related impurity problems in drinking water are listed below. Consider testing your water to find out which of these may be present in your water.
ASBESTOS
Asbestos was used in cement water pipes in the early 20th century, is naturally occurring in rock, and is commonly found in water supplies. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to cancer.
CYSTS, BACTERIA & VIRUSES
Cysts, such as Giardia, Entameoba, and Cryptosporidium, are parasites that cause cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Chlorine will not reliably kill these organisms because they are encased in a hard, protective shell. They can cause infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever and hepatitis.
HEAVY METALS
High levels of cadmium, mercury and lead in drinking water can cause nerve damage, brain deficiencies, birth defects, and cancer.
SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS (SOCs)
SOCs include man-made organics, like pesticides, that are carried into groundwater by rain and irrigation. Consumption of these chemicals has been linked to circulatory, respiratory, and nerve disorders and at least four types of cancer.
LEAD
Lead is a heavy metal strongly regulated by the EPA. Lead poisoning can cause neurological deficiencies and birth defects.
TRIHALOMETHANES (THMs)
THMs are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, like decaying leaves. They have been linked to a higher incidence of cancer.
VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS (VOCs)
VOCs include components of gasoline, solvents, and industrial cleansers, which can cause many illnesses, including liver cancer and leukemia.
EXOTIC TOXINS
Exotic toxins can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system, and are linked to cancer. Arsenic is commonly found at extremely low levels in many natural materials, including food. High levels, however, are toxic. Dioxins, the most toxic substances known, are unintentional by-products of pesticide development and the burning of plastics at waste dumps and power plants.