According to the EWG (Environmental Working Group), about 87% of the cancer risk in tap water comes from arsenic and byproducts of common disinfectants. In addition, the World Health Organization says that long-term exposure to arsenic can cause skin cancer and cancer of the lungs and bladder.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates public drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act, enacted in 1974. It requires the EPA to set standards for containments through the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, minimizing contaminants' risk. As a result, the EPA focuses primarily on the contaminants that may cause the most significant health risk. Exposure to toxins such as arsenic and radium can lead to cancer. While being exposed to lead through our drinking water has been known to cause permanent brain damage in children.
Some of the most contaminants lurking in tap water can include:
Lead
Chlorine
Mercury
Pesticides
Pharmaceuticals
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Fluoride- consuming fluoride regularly can weaken the immune system, impair cognitive ability, damage the liver and kidneys. Don't be fooled that bottled water is a safe alternative to tap water. Bottled water can contain fluoride as well, and it is not a requirement that those companies state that on their labels. Most regular water filters cannot remove fluoride because it is tough to remove once in the water. Reverse osmosis is an effective way to remove fluoride, around 90% effective.
One way to check if your water is safe to drink is by seeing if it is cloudy. Cloudy water is not exactly dangerous, but it could indicate the presence of unsafe chemicals and pathogens. If your water smells like bleach, be cautious of excess chlorine. Chlorine is deliberately added to the U.S. water supply to kill germs and pathogens. If your water smells like rotten eggs or sewage, that usually means that the water could contain hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that can naturally occur in groundwater. When this gas comes in contact with bacteria, it converts into sulfate, which could cause diarrhea or dehydration. If the water smells fishy, it could be a sign of cadmium or barium.
Boil water if you do not have filtered water. Boiling is sufficient to kill pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Reverse osmosis filters are top of the line for removing many contaminants from the water, potentially dangerous waterborne bacteria. The filters work by pushing water through the reverse osmosis membrane using pressure. Researchers found that adding a lemon to the water before boiling effectively reduces the level of disinfection byproducts in drinking water. Clean drinking water is vital to human life.
These three items are on my Amazon Storefront. Shower filter, bath filter, and water filter!
Poisonous tap water is just another reason to detox your body at Purify An Urban Sweat Lodge.
Warmly,
Samantha
Kommentare