We recently talked on this blog about why you should filter your tap water. Now let's take a look at the specific health risks of a few common contaminants, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Arsenic: Exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer in the lungs, bladder, liver, prostate, kidneys and skin. You cannot see or taste arsenic in water. Groundwater is at a higher risk of elevated levels than surface water such as lakes and rivers. As we discussed in our last post, some cities have repeatedly failed arsenic compliance tests, so check your local records. If your water comes from a private well, you should commission your own tests.
- Coliform bacteria: Coliform bacteria may not itself cause symptoms in humans. However, the EPA says that its presence can indicate that pathogens, like those in human and animal feces, are also in the water. Such pathogens may cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and nausea. While these symptoms are usually not dangerous to healthy individuals, they may be life-threatening for people who are young, old or have compromised immune systems.
- Copper: Unsafe levels of copper in drinking water can cause short-term effects like diarrhea and nausea, and long-term effects like serious liver or kidney damage. According to the EPA, copper can leach into drinking water from a household's plumbing pipes. That means that your home could have high copper levels even if your municipal supply does not. You can have your water tested by a certified laboratory.
One thing is clear — there may be more in your drinking water than you realize! It's a good idea to invest in a water filtration pitcher, faucet, counter top, under-counter or whole-house system. Shop the Allergy Be Gone website today!
