Water is already an organic compound that we need to help us do what we want. We all know that the main function of water is to keep us hydrated as we do our day-to-day activities. We are not fully aware of the vitality of water to our bodies for us to do certain tasks in our lives, whether simple or complex.
Primarily, indeed, water keeps us hydrated, and not only that, one of its functions is to help deliver oxygen throughout the body, and without oxygen, we wouldn’t be alive today. It also aids in brain functions. The brain itself is composed of 70% of water.
Also, water acts as a shock absorber of the body, but most importantly, it helps eliminate toxins from the body. Although water has been chlorinated and treated, we are not quite safe from volatile organic compounds in drinking water that have been successfully removed.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are rapidly evaporating chemicals or drugs that have polluted or combined with water. Water supplied by dams to the community is treated through the water sanitation system.
Chlorine is added to water supplies and left for a long time to kill bacteria, protozoans, and other microorganisms, though it is still not potable for drinking.
As water remains in the sanitation system, volatile organic compounds seep through the soil into the water system and combine with the chlorinated water.
Some of these are mercury and lead from rusted water pipes, chemical wastes produced by certain industries, and fecal materials that combine with the water supply. They are also caused by improperly operated and poorly maintained water systems.
Aware of this, some chemical waste can sometimes be found at home, and we use it daily.
Though sometimes filtered, as water flows through the pipes, some of which are cracked or broken and sometimes rusted, can be the reason why volatile organic compounds in drinking water are still present.
What are the different kinds of volatile organic compounds, and how does it affect our health?
Scientists have found certain volatile organic compounds in drinking water, and some of these compounds are added to certain products, such as gasoline, pesticides, and insecticides.
Sometimes, it was spilled over by misuse or accident. The soil absorbs these compounds and can go through the broken water line.
Even before the chlorination and treatment process is initiated in the water sanitation system, natural as fluoride is already found in water, we all know it helps clean our teeth; however, excessive intake can also be toxic.
Chlorine is also essential in daily living and is mixed with water from the sanitation system. It inhibits bacterial growth and kills certain microorganisms, but it is also toxic when ingested by the body with more than the trace amount it can take.
Excessive exposure to chlorine can lead to certain diseases or illnesses that affect the respiratory and nervous systems.
Lead and mercury are other volatile compounds in drinking water. These organic compounds are poisonous in many ways.
Once exposed, may it be through ingestion or even just by skin absorption, it can lead to certain illnesses as well, and not only that, once inside the body, lead, and mercury can never be removed; thus, prolonged exposure can lead to toxicity and causes psychotic and suicidal tendencies and in severe cases can lead to nerve damage by causing damages to the blood and brain.
Certain volatile organic compounds, which we are often unaware of, can affect our family's health, especially our children. Gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, pesticides, arsenic, and insecticides are rich in these compounds.
It can combine with water if exposed or by accident, but it can also spill over and be absorbed by the soil. It is already harmful when left open and breathes through the air.
Depending on the body’s exposure, most of these volatile organic compounds can cause respiratory illnesses or diseases and, in severe cases, nerve damage.
How do we prevent and clean contaminated drinking water?
There are many ways to prevent our family from being exposed to these volatile organic compounds in drinking water.
One way is to ensure that the water pipes aren’t broken or cracked, and if they indeed, make sure that they will be changed or fixed immediately to assure ourselves that no volatile organic compounds can leak through.
Ensure the family drinks filtered water to keep them from harm’s way.
Also, ensure that the water lines aren’t rusted, as they are one of the sources of mercury and lead toxicity.
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