Our Earth is mainly water, and sadly, most of our access to water is now contaminated. Earlier this year, many Americans gathered to protest and advocate for improvements to the water systems and access to grants for safe and drinkable water.
Our water is contaminated with different toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health. The most prevalent toxic substances that create terror in our waters are PFC and PFOA.
I guarantee everyone globally wants easy access to safe, drinkable water. Who would want to endanger their health or that of their loved ones? It is always important to have clean, potable water available in your household.
Water is essential to achieving quality health for everyone. It is the main fluid that can help us fight off certain sicknesses and diseases. However, the horror of certain toxic chemicals contaminating our waters has clouded that idea.
How do these Chemicals contaminate us?
Drinking water tested and found to contain these chemicals is the easiest way to consume them. However, with these particular chemicals, PFC and PFOA, the issue is not how they evolve in the water but what products we use inside our homes.
These chemicals are transmitted into our bodies due to the industrial products we commonly use for daily chores. Such products include non-stick cookware pans, grease-resistant covers (e.g., microwavable popcorn bags, fast food containers/wrappers), waterproof apparel and accessories, stainless or rust-free utensils, household tools, and industrial products.
It has been confirmed that PFCs and PFOA will likely be found in our bloodstream because of our long-hour exposure to and usage of such products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 98 percent of Americans examined were found to have PFCs in their blood.
With that number alone, it is already an alarming rate and a clear indication that it is time to take action.
Most importantly, that number only represents the increase in the danger of PFC and PFOA contaminants in our waters. Other contaminants and pollutants are present in our drinking water.
What are the Different Kinds of Contaminants that are Taking Over our Water?
PFC and PFOA
PFCs, or Perfluorinated Chemicals, are used when a large collection of chemicals is grouped. If this PFC evolves to a longer version or state, it is now called PFOA, or Perfluorinated Acid. PFOA occurs when the PFC composition becomes longer.
Not all PFCs can naturally evolve in our environment, which means that PFCs are artificial.
There are two types of PFC: the short-chained PFC and the long-chained PFC. These types are determined based on the length of chains they can grow into. The chains are composed of carbon atoms. Both PFC classifications are considered harmful to a person's health.
However, an ongoing study of the specific health problems these PFCs can cause remains ongoing. Only one thing is clarified: the long-chained PFCs are the most apparent type of PFC in our society, and this long-chained PFC now includes the PFOA.
Based on our previous article that discussed PFC and PFOA, such contaminants are capable of causing serious problems.
"The PFOA is very persistent, and it is hard to encounter this type of chemical. The danger it poses must be taken seriously due to its distinct characteristics. PFOA and the word longevity can go hand in hand. This is because once it enters a human body or contaminates any part of the environment, it can remain there for a long period. Not to mention that no air, sun rays, water, or even acid can break the PFOA down easily. Furthermore, it can travel long distances. May it be through air, crawl down on soil, or flow through groundwater."
Although there are no clear explanations for how PFCs and PFOA can seriously affect a person's health, it is still best to avoid drinking water containing these contaminants.
Unfortunately, that could be likely achieved if water systems, particularly in America, were fixed up to the extent that at least 99.5% of pollutants or contaminants could be removed.
PFAS
PFASs, polyfluoroalkyls, and perfluoroalkyls are toxic chemicals that repel water and oil. For this reason, they are primarily used in products such as food packaging, leather, paints, fire-fighting foam, and other industrial applications.
The level of these chemicals in our drinking water is alarming, even exceeding government-recommended safety levels.
Statistics have shown that 75 percent of PFAs are detected in the drinking water of 13 states in America, a number confirmed in 2016. Since then, the increase in PFAs has been nonstop, and who knows—maybe by now, all states are contaminated by this chemical.
Feces
There are numerous ways in which feces can contaminate our water. Practically, all water sources are contaminated by feces because the call of nature for animals is simply in and with nature.
They do not have any choice as to where to answer the call. Whether it may be a human or an animal, it still carries numerous bacteria and viruses that can potentially harm one's health.
Protozoan Parasites
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are typical examples of microscopic organisms that belong to this contaminant. These organisms reproduce by feeding on animals. Drinking contaminated water containing these organisms can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Escherichia Coli
Commonly known as the E.Coli bacteria. E.coli plays a role in a person's digestive process. However, food poisoning is bound to happen once it is presented to the upper digestive system through drinking contaminated water.
Heavy Metals
Several heavy metals that are carried through our waters can be found. Several health problems will be acquired if ever carried inside the body, such as kidney problems, nervous system damage, and even cancer.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a heavy metal composed of disinfectant substances. It is extremely helpful for cleaning products and disinfecting swimming pools.
Chlorine can also be helpful in purifying drinking water, especially if the water is unsafe to drink or completely contaminated.
However, mixing chlorine with water is not considered a helpful method. Using it repetitively or regularly is more so because Chlorine has strong chemical reactions, especially when combined with water.
Hence, consuming an excessive amount of chlorine can cause certain health problems. This includes memory and balance impairment.
Lead
Mercury
PCBs
Generally, it is now even more difficult to have that peace of mind, knowing that you are safe and can stay healthy with the drinking water you have access to.
Harmful Effects of Contaminated Water on a Person's Health
I can compile all statistical numbers and facts that demonstrate the current issue regarding our contaminated water and how more and more contaminants are being constantly found in our waters, and worst of all, already in the bodies of almost all Americans.
However, discussing the numbers in detail would take us to another conversation. The number of pollutants and contaminants is continuously increasing and becoming increasingly hazardous to human health.
How are we, you, affected, especially your health, by having little assurance of safe and drinkable water?
Water is essential to a person's health. On average, the human body is mainly composed of 60 percent water. It is primarily responsible for the smooth functioning of our body and organs.
Such as skin rejuvenation, waste elimination, healthy cholesterol and blood levels, metabolism and digestion, excellent and reliable brain and muscle coordination, and much more.
So, what will happen if you are deprived of high-quality water?
Intestinal Problems
Drinking contaminated water can damage the small and large intestines. Common diseases caused by contaminated water include Cholera, Amoebiasis, Intestinal Worms, and Diarrhea.
Hepatitis A
Water contaminated with a virus hosted by feces can result in Hepatitis A, affecting or damaging the liver.
Lead Poisoning
One of the most serious illnesses is commonly acquired through water contamination. Corroded water pipes are the number one reason Lead can be mixed with drinking water. Ingesting lead through drinking lead-contaminated water can result in multiple health problems.
Typhoid Fever
Millions of people are affected by Typhoid fever annually. This common bacterial-infected disease causes nausea, headache, loss of appetite, and even diarrhea.
Other health problems resulting from drinking contaminated water are Fluorosis, Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease), Arsenicosis, Polio, Schistosomiasis, and HIV/AIDS.
How should you address this issue?
We can wait for the water to clear of contaminants and be tested to ensure it is 100% free from toxic chemicals. However, that will cost us unimaginable numbers of years because it should be clear that this will be an eternal circle of solutions and failure.
Nonetheless, there are still ways to combat the issue of contaminated water.
One option is to have your pipes regularly fixed and maintained, or to use a simple device that guarantees a 99.9999% removal of toxic chemicals and other contaminants.
Many products in the market promise quality service and deliver safe, healthy, and reliable water to your household. All that is left for you is to choose which one is the best, carefully, and is worthy of your trust.
If it can help, check out Berkey's website. It contains all the necessary information and answers to your questions regarding solving this water crisis.
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