Did You Know There Is Poison in Your Drinking Water?
Though most would hardly think there are health risks found in their water, according to Ralph Nader, it is only one of 2,100 toxic chemicals found in most city water that can cause cancer. Yet most water systems only test for about 75 of these contaminants. This article will focus on one of them, chlorine.
So you buy an aquarium and some fish and you want to fill it with city faucet water. What is the first requirement? Yes, it is to de-chlorinate the water with tablets or by allowing the water to sit several days. If fish will die in chlorinated water, how can it be good for people? Yet, it is common in many cities for the maximum level of chlorine allowed in the public water system to be greater than what is recommended in swimming pools!
Chlorine does indeed work as a disinfectant in water. It kills bacteria such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. Unfortunately, it also damages the human body as well. Chlorine forms substances called THMs (trihalomethanes). These are cancer causing and damage cells. Chlorine can scar the arteries making them more susceptible to have cholesterol attach itself to the walls. Further, evidence shows that, when a city’s water is contaminated and extra chlorine added, the number of cases of cancers of the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract increase. One source said that Mississippi drinking water contains approximately 63 cancer causing compounds that are made when chlorine combines with pollutants such as methanol and carbon disulphide that are present in the water.
Yet chlorine does not enter the body only through drinking. In fact, a greater risk of chlorine poisoning occurs in the shower. The hot water opens the pores and the chlorine, which evaporates at a lower temperature than water, enters through the lungs. This results in the formation of chloroform, which will cause bronchitis, and asthma, and will increase the risk of cancer. The warm chlorine water may also cause skin irritations such as eczema. Many have bought a chlorine shower filter to protect themselves.
Parents reading this will be understandably alarmed. They know that a child’s body is much more influenced by chemical changes than their own. And, wanting the best for them, the parents realize they can’t just ignore this problem.
Many have opted for bottled water. After all, doesn’t it say, “Pure Spring water” right on the container? Unfortunately, that could be deceiving. In fact, the FDA itself said, “Companies that market bottled water as being safer than tap water are defrauding the American public.” This is because there are no regulations on bottled water across state lines. Companies have bottled tape water and labeled it, “Pure Mountain Fresh.” This may not be honest, but it is perfectly legal. Coupled with the high cost and the huge volume of disposed containers, this is obviously not the best solution.
To be sure your water is safe, it is best to filter it yourself. This can be done at a minimum of cost. Start with something to filter your drinking and cooking water, like the Berkey Water Filter. Be sure the company promises their product will remove chlorine. Such promises are regulated by federal laws. Don’t think of it as an expense, but an investment in the peace of mind that you are giving your family good, healthy water.
