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Metal contaminants in our drinking water

It is a known fact that metals naturally occur on any natural freshwater source. Our bodies through ages of adaptation had evolved to naturally render them harmless and some are even considered as micronutrients in small amounts like copper.

The body could absorb about 1,000 ug(micrograms) of copper a day. However any amount beyond that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches, and nausea. Unless contamination is caused by pollution, any naturally occurring amounts of copper on our water source is acceptable.

Certain heavy metals like Mercury are considered toxic even at small amounts. Health effects are usually related to brain damage resulting to memory loss and hallucinations. It could also result to other diseases like, Acrodynia (pink disease), Hunter-Russell syndrome, and Minamata disease. Mercury contamination of natural water sources in central California caused by abandoned mercury mines has affected at least 100,000 residents. These abandoned mercury mines had been closed for more than two decades now. Only recently that studies have confirmed the higher body levels of mercury on local Indians who rely on natural water sources.

Like mercury, lead also damages the nervous system. Earliest evidence of lead artifacts date back 6400 B.C. Lead has a long list of industrial use, notably for car batteries and semiconductor applications. Its wide use makes it a potential pollutant once these items are discarded improperly. Water pollution through solid and industrial wastes is the main cause of lead contamination. Indications of lead poisoning may vary but has been observed to be related to stunted growth, learning disabilities, and anti-social behaviors of children. In general, lead poisoning effects tend to be long term and irreversible.

Another notorious metalloid found in drinking water is the arsenic. First studied in 1250 by Albertus Magnus, it is widely used for wood treatment due to its toxicity to wood insects. Its poisonous reputation had made it a favorite tool for murder mystery tales. Throughout history, a lot of famous victims including Napoleon himself allegedly died of arsenic poisoning. Although naturally occurring on 200 types of mineral species, most groundwater contaminations are caused by mining, smelting of non-ferrous metals and burning of fossil fuels. When ingested through drinking water and depending on the dosage, symptoms may vary from skin disease, hearing loss, diabetes and cancer.

These are just some of the metals that are naturally present on ground water. As long as the acceptable levels are achieved, none of the harmful symptoms would occur. Protecting our drinking water at home should be a primary objective for all.

 

Yes, I found the answer to taking better care of my family’s health. I know you too, will be happy with what I found: the Contamin-Eater Whole House water filtration system by Selecto, Inc., the industry leader in commercial filtration innovationand made right here in the USA. Now they’re available for your home right here at ezclearwater!

Donna Hoffman is the owner of http://www.ezClearwater.com , provider of the highest quality, earth-friendly water purification products for home, office, pool and spa. Our goal is to share products that are “Good to You and Mother Earth Too.”

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October 12, 2009 at 1:19 am Comments (4)

Salt water intrusion affects our water supply…

In 1988, a paper published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the possible roundup of debris on stable areas of the Pacific due to global wave patterns. Charles Moore, an ocean researcher, confirmed its existence in 1997 when he came across vast areas of Pacific waters with unusually high concentration of plastic debris. Since then the Pacific Garbage Patch became a global concern.

The Pacific garbage patch is estimated to be as large as 5%-7% of the whole Pacific ocean and grows at an alarming rate. Studies conducted found a large concentration of plastic particulates on the water samples. These are not seen by the naked eye and plastics do not degrade easily they just disintegrate up to molecular level while retaining their polymer structure. Think of it as fine powdered plastic which seemed to dissolve in water but still remains plastic.

We may think that this is far from our homes but we must also consider the fact that the Earth has 97% salt water and just 3% fresh water. On the 3% fresh water only 1% is available for drinking and human consumption. No matter how we try to prevent it, there are still risks that salt water may combine with our water source especially on coastal areas.

The water cycle involves creating freshwater from vapor through precipitation on land. Millennia of this cycle have created fresh water bodies inland. Aquifers are rocks or any semi-permeable substance that isolate debris and other impurities on fresh water which is accessed through wells and streams. In effect, it’s nature’s way of making sure we drink fresh water.

However there are limitations on how effective these aquifers could function. Overuse of groundwater prevents the natural replenishment of aquifers effectively destroying them. Nowadays, saltwater intrusion on groundwater is becoming a problem for coastal communities.

Global warming is slowly causing the rise of sea level. The rise of sea level is directly proportional to the worsening of salt water intrusion. This was best observed when Hurricane Katrina swept large amounts of saltwater on coastal lands. Agricultural yield and soil productivity were largely affected.

We are not sure yet how much worse has the salt water breached the aquifers. The long term effects are not yet defined. But this is what we know, the Pacific garbage patch is not improving and there will come a time that our water source might have plastic particulates which are relatively toxic and are even considered carcinogens due to the leaching of BPA on the water. For now, let’s just do our best to protect what our families drink and eat by using commercial house filters and living a healthy lifestyle.

**image is from the State of Washington Department of Ecology website

 

Yes, I found the answer to taking better care of my family’s health. I know you too, will be happy with what I found: the Contamin-Eater Whole House water filtration system by Selecto, Inc., the industry leader in commercial filtration innovationand made right here in the USA. Now they’re available for your home right here at ezclearwater!

Donna Hoffman is the owner of http://www.ezClearwater.com , provider of the highest quality, earth-friendly water purification products for home, office, pool and spa. Our goal is to share products that are “Good to You and Mother Earth Too.”

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September 24, 2009 at 11:55 pm Comments (30)