Is Your Tap Water Dangerous?

Tap water is not as harmless at it seems. The truth is that there are thousands of harmful chemicals in tap water. We may not realize it because their concentration is very small; they are highly diluted by water, but continuous consumption can lead to us to put in risk our health.

One of the most common chemicals tap water has is pesticides. Pesticides have been over used to protect the crops from insects and parasites, but by using them so excessively, they have made their way to tap water thus, risking our health. Herbicides are another toxin commonly found in tap water. The frequency it is used to get rid of weeds has caused it to be common in our water system.

Lead is another toxin commonly found in tap water. The problem is that most locations of the water distribution system are old and use piped that contain lead. The piping, solder, and plumbing fixtures in your home may also contain lead which contrary to iron or other metals, doesn't have an established level in which it is safe to drink, so any amount no matter how small it is, can prove to be harmful to your health. Some of the problems caused when lead is ingested are lower intelligence, hypertension and attention and learning disorders.

A particular kind of poison has also been found in the water supply of several cities throughout North America. This poison is arsenic, which is commonly used to kill rats. Arsenic is fatal at high doses, but it can also be harmful in low concentrations. One of the common effects of arsenic in low concentrations is its irritability. Arsenic can irritate the mucous membranes in your throat and lungs, and with continuous consumption can cause skin marks.

Your water supply may also contain traces of drugs. Commonly used drugs such as antibiotics, antidepressants, painkillers, hormones, and birth control drugs among others have been found by the Environmental Protection Agency in water supplies all over the country.

The most common chemical in tap water is chlorine. The reason for this is that chlorine is very cheap and it is regularly used to disinfect water. The problem is that continuous consumption of chorine can develop serious health problems. Chlorine is an agent that encourages cancer development so people that is constantly exposed to this chemical are in a risky situation.

The information above is not written with the intention of scaring you. It is unlikely that your water supply contains everything mentioned but it can contain one or two harmful chemicals. You can minimize your exposure by simply buying bottled water, or better yet water from the well-like expending machines you see at the gas station. This water is clean and cheaper than bottled water, and better for the environment since you don't throw empty water bottles away. Another good choice is to buy a good water filter.