Clean alkaline drinking water is something that the public has pretty much taken for granted for the past hundred years. The public has little idea–perhaps understandably–just how contaminated our drinking water has become. Our environment has changed, new biological transformations are emerging, drinking – water systems are aging, and governments seem more interested in ensuring business in the global marketplace than in ensuring the safety and health of the world citizens.
Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. In some parts of the country, beets, turnips, carrots, collard greens and spinach contain large amounts of nitrates, a chemical that can cause an unusual type of anemia (low blood count) in young infants, referred to as methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood; blue baby syndrome can be an acute condition in which health deteriorates rapidly over a period of days.
Long-term: Nitrates and nitrites have the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the maximum contaminant level: excessive discharge of urine, increased starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen. Heavy metal aberrations found in our drinking water are directly causative or associative with dis-easeand ill health. A few examples are anemia, cardiac conditions, depression, digestive problems, high blood pressure, hormone imbalance, impaired, growth, infertility, insomnia, learning and behavioral problems, osteoporosis, chronic inflammation, and tumor proliferation. Heavy metal toxins contribute to a variety of adverse health effects. There are more than 65 different heavy metals and toxic acidic compounds that impact human health. Accumulation within the body can lead to a decline in the mental, cognitive, and physical health of the individual. Many of these pollutants are carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive acidic toxins, or neurological acidic toxins. The increased acidity of rain also releases many minerals that do not naturally occur or do not belong in water at these disproportionate levels, thus producing what is called hard water. As a result, these acidic toxins are consumed in drinking water or are ingested by plants, animals, or aquatic life, which are then eaten by humans. When numerous metals are present in the body, they have a “synergistic toxicity.” Dr. Boyd Haley, professor and chair of the chemistry department at the University of Kentucky, performed a study on rats and found that the mortality rate of rats exposed to a small dose of mercury or aluminum killed only 1 rat in 100. However, when the rats were exposed to both mercury and aluminum at the same time, all 100 rats died – a 100% mortality rate. Here are a few more ways that acid deposition has altered and continues to alter our soils: Acid deposition depletes calcium, magnesium, and other base minerals from the soil – this depletion of base minerals fundamentally alters soil processes, compromises the nutrition of crops, and hinders the capacity for sensitive soils to recover. Acid deposition facilitates the mobilization of dissolved inorganic minerals into soil water – the increased acidity of rain releases many minerals that do not naturally occur or do not belong in water at these disproportionate levels, thus producing what is called hard water – as a result, they are consumed in drinking water or are ingested by plants, animals, or aquatic life, which are then eaten by humans.
Acid deposition increases the accumulation of sulfur and nitrogen in the soil. To some extent all minerals compete for absorption, compete for the same binding sites. Studies have shown that excesses of particular minerals can result in deficiencies in others; likewise, deficiencies of some minerals promote excesses of others. This mutual dependence means not only are minerals required in optimal amounts but also in relative amounts. Severe health problems arising from human contact with acidic toxic or hazardous wastes are increasingly common. The seriousness of this problem cannot be underestimated in light of findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) who revealed that 60-80% of heavy metal toxins found in human bodies in urban industrial areas were the result of consuming contaminated foods and water rather than through air pollution. The burning of coal releases many contaminants into the atmosphere, among these are mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead.
MERCURY Mercury occurs primarily in two forms: organic mercury and inorganic mercury. Inorganic mercury and elemental mercury are both toxins that can produce a wide range of adverse health affects. Inorganic mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, dental fillings, batteries, electrical wiring and switches, fluorescent light bulbs, pesticides, fungicides, vaccines, paint, skin-tightening creams, antiseptic creams, pharmaceutical drugs, and other ointments. Humans have the ability to convert this inorganic mercury to an organic form once it has become absorbed into the bloodstream. Organic mercury is known to bio-accumulate due to the body’s inability to process and eliminate it. Rain is contaminated with mercury from coal-fired electric plants and the burning of fossil fuel. Mercury is one of the heavy metals that cause dangerous inflammation in body tissues.
CADMIUM Cadmium emissions arise from two major source categories, natural sources and anthropogenic (man-made) sources. Emissions occur to the three major compartments of the environment – air, water, and soil, but there may be considerable transfer between the three compartments after initial deposition. Man-made cadmium emissions arise either from the manufacture, use and disposal of products intentionally utilizing cadmium, or from the presence of cadmium as a natural but not functional impurity in non-cadmium containing products. Cadmium (for industrial use) is produced in large quantities, over 8 million metric tons in 1999. Cadmium generated by metal smelters/refiners is cemented and buried, stored for future use, or disposed of in landfills as hazardous acidic waste. Cadmium poses a major concern to food safety because is taken up relatively easily by crops. What makes cadmium unique is that it is not toxic to plants at concentrations of concern to human health. Consumption of crops is the main source of human exposure at approximately 75%. Grains, leafy greens, and root crops are associated with elevated levels of cadmium. Cadmium accumulates in the body; although a person’s daily intake may be as little as 0.05 milligrams, he or she will have stored, on average, about 50 milligrams. Cadmium is a poison and is known to cause birth defects and cancerous tissue. It can stay in one’s body for years and can also change forms within the body. Cadmium interferes with the metabolism of copper, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D. An Environmental Working Group analysis of cadmium tests reported by 28,944 public water suppliers in 41 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 9.5 million people in 1,364 communities drank water contaminated with cadmium. In 1,040 of these communities, tap water was contaminated at levels above health-based thresholds.
LEAD Lead is the 5th most utilized metal in the U.S. Human exposure to lead occurs primarily through drinking water, airborne lead-containing particulates, and lead-based paints. The primary source of lead in drinking water is from lead-based plumbing materials. The corrosion of such materials will continue to increase concentrations of lead in municipal drinking water. The EPA actually allows small amounts of lead to be present in our tap water due to this insurmountable problem. Grounding of household electrical systems to plumbing may also exacerbate corrosion. Corrosion of plumbing is by far the greatest cause for concern. All water is corrosive to metal plumbing materials to some degree. Lead from water and airborne sources have been shown to accumulate in agricultural areas leading to increased concentrations in agricultural produce and farm animals. Cigarette smoke is also a significant source of lead exposure. A certain amount of lead is always in our bodies because of the background presence of lead in food, water, and sources in the soil. The EPA estimates that drinking water can make up 20 percent or more of a person’s total exposure to lead. Atmospherically derived lead is a widely distributed contaminant that can inhibit a range of essential ecosystem processes in soils. Lead has made its way into food, animals, and humans. Because of the possibility of permanent impairment, lead poisoning is particularly dangerous during the critical development periods of infants and young children under the age of 7 years. Young children, those 6 years and younger, are at particular risk for lead exposure because they have frequent hand-to-mouth activity and absorb lead more easily then do adults. Children’s nervous systems are still undergoing development and are therefore more susceptible to the effects of toxic agents. Lead is also harmful to the developing fetuses of pregnant women. Lead in drinking water is a significant contributor to overall exposure to lead, particularly for infants whose diet consists of liquids made with water, such as baby food or formula. Lead is one of the most toxic elements naturally occurring on Earth. High concentrations of lead can cause irreversible brain damage, seizure, coma, and death if not treated immediately. Evidence suggests that lead may cause fatigue, irritability, memory problems, reduction in sensory and motor reaction times, decision making impairment, and lapses in concentration. In adults, lead is very detrimental to the cardiovascular system. Occupationally exposed individuals tend to have higher blood pressure and are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The kidneys are targets of lead toxicity and prone to impairment at moderate to high levels of lead concentrations. Other signs/symptoms of lead toxicity include gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, anorexia and weight loss, immunosuppression, and some liver impairment. Lead can affect almost every organ and system in our body. No safe blood lead level in children has been determined. Children absorb lead much more efficiently than adults do after exposure and are susceptible to the most damaging effects of lead toxicity. Lead not only appears to affect cognitive development of young children but also other areas of neuropsychological function. Low levels of lead in blood have been associated with reduced IQ and attention span, learning disabilities, poor classroom performance, hyperactivity, behavioral problems, impaired growth, and hearing loss. Very high blood lead levels can cause severe neurological problems such as mental retardation, coma, convulsions, and even death. Lead has been determined by many health experts to be the #1 threat to developing children in our industrial societies. The most sensitive is the central nervous system (brain), particularly in children. Lead also damages kidneys and the reproductive system. The effects are the same whether it is breathed or swallowed. An Environmental Working Group analysis of lead tests reported by 21,997 public water suppliers in 35 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 50.4 million people in 7,942 communities drank water contaminated with lead. In 2,275 of these communities, tap water was contaminated at levels above health-based thresholds.
IRON Inorganic iron is one of the most troublesome elements in water supplies. Making up at least 5 percent of the earth’s crust, iron is one of the earth’s most plentiful resources. Acidic rain water as it infiltrates the soil and underlying geologic formations excessively dissolves iron, causing it to seep into aquifers that serve as sources of groundwater for wells. This is one reason that there is a high prevalence of increased iron stores in the general population of western countries. Inorganic iron is almost indigestible. When people suffering from anemia are given supplements of inorganic iron, these supplements are poorly absorbed in the gut and can have many unpleasant side effects. Excess iron accumulates in the pancreas causes tissue injury. Iron affects glucose metabolism. Iron stores are associated with insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and insulin resistance. High inorganic iron causes excessive sodium retention. Tissue iron excess contributes to produce and amplify the injury caused by acidity as well as to modulate various steps involved in the inflammatory lesion. It should not be ignored that chronic inflammation caused by dietary and/or metabolic acid, to some extent, to increase ferritin concentration.
CHROMIUM Chromium is abundant in the earth’s crust and is widely dispersed in the environment. It is used extensively in refractory materials and chemicals, as a plating to produce hard and smooth surfaces, to prevent corrosion, and in manufacturing stainless and alloy steels. Major atmospheric emissions of chromium arise from metal producing industries, coal-fired plants, municipal incinerators, and cooling towers. Chromium-6 or Hexavalent chromium is an inorganic chemical that can be toxic. Chromium-6 has been in the news lately because it has been found in groundwater due to industrial contamination. It was the focus of the popular movie Erin Brockovich. Hexavalent chromium in the workplace is suspected of being carcinogenic. Excessive exposure to dusts or mists of hexavalent chromium compounds produces dermatitis, skin lesions, and ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, as well as liver and kidney damage. With long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds, incidence of human lung cancer increases. An Environmental Working Group analysis of hexavalent chromium tests reported by 1,111 public water suppliers in 3 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 33.4 million people in 519 communities drank water contaminated with hexavalent chromium.
BARIUM Barium is a heavy metal released into the air by human activities, mainly barium mines, metal production facilities, and industrial boilers that burn coal and oil. When coal and oil are burned to generate electricity, an ash is produced which contains more than 99% of their barium content. Barium released into the soil and water comes from copper smelters and oil drilling waste disposal sites. Industries reporting to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released 159 tons of barium into the environment in 1995. More than half was released to the soil. Some foods, such as Brazil nuts, seaweed, fish, and certain vegetables, may contain high amounts of barium. Barium and barium compounds are used for many commercial processes. Barium sulfate is mined and used in oil and gas production, medical procedures, and the manufacture of paints, bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber. Other barium compounds are used in the manufacture of ceramics, pesticides, and oil and fuel additives.  In addition, physicians often instruct their patients to swallow a barium compound solution as part of certain medical test procedures. An Environmental Working Group analysis of barium tests reported by 29,280 public water suppliers in 41 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 147 million people in 20,626 communities drank water contaminated with barium. Barium interferes with natural immune system functioning. Barium compounds are extremely poisonous. At low doses, barium acts as a muscle stimulant, while higher doses affect the nervous system, causing cardiac irregularities, tremors, weakness, anxiety, dyspnea, and paralysis. This may be due to its ability to block potassium ion channels that are critical to the proper function of the nervous system. As barium weakens the immune systems of the masses, we should expect to see statistically significant increases in various dis-eases that might normally be minimally occurring in a population with a fully-activated immune system.
BERYLLIUM Beryllium is a metal from metal refineries, coal burning, and pollution from electrical, aerospace and defense industries. Potential health impacts associated with beryllium include cancerous conditions, cardiovascular or blood toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity, immune-toxicity, kidney toxicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory toxicity, and skin sensitivity. An Environmental Working Group analysis of beryllium tests reported by 29,913 public water suppliers in 41 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 6.9 million people in 720 communities drank water contaminated with beryllium.
MOLYBDENUM Molybdenum is a by-product of copper and tungsten mining. It is used as an alloy for various metals, and it occurs naturally in soil and rock. Potential health impacts associated with molybdenum include neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Plants can, under certain conditions accumulate large concentrations of molybdenum. Molybdenum uptake by plants increases with increased soil pH. Molybdenum can cause acute clinical disease and subsequent death by interfering with copper metabolism. An Environmental Working Group analysis of molybdenum tests reported by 1,183 public water suppliers in nine states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 24.6 million people in 134 communities drank water contaminated with molybdenum. In 84 of these communities, tap water was contaminated at levels above health-based thresholds. Molybdenum remains unregulated in tap water, without a maximum legal limit. Molybdenum is mobile in plants and in soil. It is less available in soils with a lower pH. Acid-leached forest and sandstone soils are generally low in molybdenum. Acid rain causes molybdenum to be released from the soil, which contaminates our water and food supply.
PERCHLORATE 25 APR 2007 | A bill to set national safety standards for toxic rocket fuel perchlorate, found in drinking water supplies in more than 20 states, is moving in Congress. However, perchlorate is currently an unregulated contaminant. Officials found the rocket fuel ingredient perchlorate at up to 1,300 parts per million in the fall – roughly 166 times higher than acceptable limits. Perchlorate is a toxic chemical from military-industrial activities and the use of Chilean nitrate fertilizer. Production and use estimates of perchlorate are hard to come by: the military considers the numbers secret, and fertilizer producers will not share them, saying they are proprietary information. Perchlorate can affect thyroid function – because perchlorate is an ion that inhibits the transport of iodide into the thyroid. Scientists have found that a significant number of people are at risk of thyroid depression from perchlorate exposure. Extensive data indicate that thyroid-pituitary disruption is the sole mode of action for the observed thyroid tumors caused by perchlorate in rodents. A series of critical new studies by scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the EPA’s proposed safe exposure levels for the contaminant “perchlorate” is not protective of public health. To add insult to injury, the California Environmental Protection Agency recently raised the limit on the amount of perchlorate allowed in drinking water by 50%. Currently there are no enforceable perchlorate safety standards, but Environmental Working Group (EWG) argues that a national safety standard should be no higher than one-tenth the EPA’s currently recommended level. Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the amount of perchlorate in urine is too high to be from drinking water alone. Studies have found perchlorate in rainwater and common foods produced in the U.S., such as dairy products and produce. Perchlorate is also found in produce worldwide. In the first-ever tests of perchlorate in off-the-shelf supermarket produce, EWG found contamination averaging 4 times more than what the EPA says is safe in drinking water. The chemical has also been found in prenatal vitamins and seaweed. Perchlorate can remain in food even after it is cooked. Blast from the past: billions of kilograms of Chilean nitrate fertilizer contaminated with perchlorate left a lasting impression. Between 1909 and 1929, the U.S. imported an estimated 19 million tons of Chilean nitrate. The United States still uses 75,000 short tons of Chilean nitrate annually. Overall, fresh fruit and vegetables from California and Central and South America had the highest levels of perchlorate. Just one serving of some fruits can contain enough perchlorate to exceed the National Academy of Sciences safe daily dose by 25%, and wines and beers pack a bigger perchlorate punch than waters, according to a new study that measures perchlorate concentrations in fruits, wines, and beers from around the world. The food contribution to daily perchlorate exposure looks to be a horrendous disaster attributed to intensive farming, irresponsible agricultural practices, and military-industrial activities. Perchlorate’s interference with iodide uptake by the thyroid gland can decrease production of thyroid function, which is needed for prenatal and postnatal growth and development, as well as for normal metabolism and mental function in the adult. Perchlorate is present in virtually all milk samples; the average concentration in breast milk is five times higher than in dairy milk. Studies testify that high levels of perchlorate in breast milk put the nation’s infants at risk for developmental problems. Thyroid function is critical for development of the fetal and neonatal brain, as well as for many other aspects of fetal growth. The high levels of perchlorate in breast milk are cause for serious concern and should lead to immediate government action to protect the public health. An Environmental Working Group analysis of perchlorate tests reported by 982 public water suppliers in 7 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 26.2 million people in 86 communities drank water contaminated with perchlorate. In 8 of these communities, tap water was contaminated at levels above health-based thresholds.Perchlorate remains unregulated in tap water, without a maximum legal limit. Perchlorate is a known endocrine disruptor.
ASBESTOS Asbestos is a mineral fiber from decay of asbestos cement in water mains. Potential health impacts associated with asbestos include cancer, immune toxicity, and respiratory toxicity. An Environmental Working Group analysis of asbestos tests reported by 2,533 public water suppliers in 26 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 8.6 million people in 147 communities drank water contaminated with Asbestos. In 2 of these communities, tap water was contaminated at levels above health-based thresholds.
Contaminants Index Drinking water, including most bottled, reverse osmosis, and distilled water may reasonably be expected to contain some contaminants. U.S. EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. The following are common contaminants found in public water, their potential health effects, and the type of water filters that are capable of removing them: 2,4,5TP: This is an herbicide that is used on crops and right-of-way areas. It can cause liver and kidney damage. The maximum contaminant level is 0.05mg/L. A water filter that removes Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) will remove this compound. NSF standard 53. 2,4-D: This is an herbicide used on wheat, corn, range lands and lawns. The maximum amount allowed in public water is 0.07mg/L. Like the above herbicide it causes liver and kidney damage.  A charcoal/carbon filter (Standard 53) that removes VOCs will remove this contaminant. Alachor: This is an herbicide used on corn, soybeans, and other crops. The maximum amount allowed in public water is 0.002 mg/L. It is a carcinogen (i.e. it causes cancer). A carbon/charcoal filter Standard 53, that removes VOCs will remove this contaminant. Arsenic: This is a heavy metal. It comes from smelters, glass and electronic wastes as well as from orchards and natural deposits. The maximum contaminant level for arsenic is 0.010 mg/L. Its potential health hazards include skin and nervous system toxicity. Arsenic is found in water in two different forms: pentavalent (also known as Arsenic 5 or arsenate) and Trivalent (Arsenic 3 or Arsenite). Chlorine converts trivalent to pentvalent arsenic. Carbon/charcoal, reverse osmosis filters as well as distillation will remove this contaminant. Distillation will remove trivalent and pentvalent arsenic, while reverse osmosis will remove pentvalent only. Look for Standards 53, 58, or 62. Asbestos: This contaminant comes from natural deposits and asbestos cement used in water systems. The maximum contaminant level is 7 million fibers per liter. It is a serious carcinogen. Carbon/charcoal and reverse osmosis remove this contaminant. Atrazine: This is an herbicide used on corn and on non crop land. It can cause mammary gland tumors. Its maximum contaminant level is 0.003 mg/L. Carbon/charcoal standard 53 filters will remove this contaminant. It is part of the VOC category. Bacteria: Bacteria are not supposed to be found in our public waters. But occasionally they may contaminate the water we drink. Sources are naturally occurring or from human or animal wastes. Most of them cause gastrointestinal disorders. Ultraviolet treatment is usually necessary for removal of these contaminants, or look for NSF standard 55 filters. Class A inactivates or removes micro-forms from contaminated water (not raw sewage) and Class B disinfection systems remove naturally occurring organisms found in public waters that are deemed non-pathogenic. Barium: This is a found in natural deposits, epoxy sealants, pigments and spent coal. Its maximum contaminant level is 2 mg/L. It can potentially affect the circulatory system. Cation exchange softeners, reverse osmosis and distillation will remove barium. Look for standards 44, 58 and 62. Cadmium: This is found in galvanized pipe corrosion, natural deposits, batteries and paints. It primarily effects the kidneys. Its maximum contaminant level is 0.005 mg/L. Reverse osmosis, distillation remove it. Standards 58 and 62 Carbufuran: This is a soil fumigant used on corn and cotton. It effects the nervous reproductive systems. Its maximum contaminant level is 0.04 mg/L. Carbon/charcoal standard 53 remove this. It is part of the VOC category. Chloramine: The effects of this contaminant are unknown. It is used as a disinfectant. The maximum recommended usage level is 4 mg/L. Carbon/charcoal filters, standard 42 remove this contaminant. Systems certified for reduction of chlorine will not necessarily be effective against chloramines. Chlordane: This is used for treating termites. Maximum contaminant level is 0.002. It can cause cancerous conditions. Carbon/charcoal filters, Standard 53 will remove this contaminant. Chlorides: Cause water to taste salty. Maximum contaminant level is 250 mg/L. These come from natural deposits. Reverse osmosis and distillation may remove these. Chlorine: This is used for disinfection of drinking water. The chlorination by-products (trihalomethanes) have potential health effects. Carbon/charcoal standard 42 filters will remove chlorine. Contact your local water utility to determine if chlorine or chloramines are used to disinfect your water. Chlorination by-Products (trihalomethanes): These are by-products of chlorination in drinking water and they are carcinogenic. The maximum contaminant level is 0.08 mg/L. Carbon/charcoal standard 53 filters are effective at reducing these contaminants. Chromium: This is a by-product of mining, electroplating, pigments and from natural deposits. It can be present in water in forms: hexavalent (chromium 6) and trivalent (chromium 3). It can cause liver, kidney and circulatory disorders. Reverse osmosis and distillation Standards 53,58 and 62 remove chromium. Copper: From natural and industrial deposits, wood preservatives, and plumbing. It may leach from residential plumbing. The maximum contaminant level is 1.3 mg/L. It can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Charcoal/carbon, reverse osmosis, and distillation, Standards 42, 58 and 62 remove this contaminant. Crytosporidium: This is a parasite that is found in food or water contaminated with human or animal waste. It can cause gastrointestinal illness. Although public water should not have any cryptosporidium in it, it is not uncommon to see people in the Portland area test positive on stool test for it. Standard 53, 58 and 55 water filters should remove it. Look for a filter capable of removing spores < 1 micron. Dichlorobenzene: part of the VOC category. From paints, engine cleaning compounds, dyes, chemical wastes. Causes liver, kidney and blood cell damage. Carbon block standard 53 removes.
Graphene, Graphene Oxide and Graphene Hydroxide:
Hepatochlor Epoxide: A degradation product of heptachlor which is used in insecticides, particularly for termite eradication. It is a carcinogen. Allowable amount is 0.0002 mg/L. Carbon block, standard 53 removes this. This contaminant is part of the VOC category. Hydrogen sulfide: causes the rotten egg odor in water. It is a naturally occurring chemical in water. Carbon block, standard 42 filters remove it. Iron: Maximum allowable amount is 0.3mg/L. It can stain laundry, plumbing and appliances. It is from natural deposits in the water. Carbon/charcoal filter, standard 42 will remove it. MTBE: From gasoline spills, underground gas tank leakages. The potential health effects include cancer, developmental toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, neurotoxicity, and skin sensitivity. Carbon block, standard 53 will remove it. Nitrite: Can cause methemoglobulinemia (blue baby syndrome). From animal waste, fertilizer, natural deposits, septic tanks, sewage. Maximum allowable level is 1 mg/L. It rapidly converts to nitrate. Reverse osmosis, standard 53, 58, 62 remove this contaminant. PCBs: from the coolants used in electrical transformers and plasticizers. PCBs are known carcinogens. Maximum allowable amount is 0.0005 mg/L. Carbon block filters, standard 53 remove this contaminant. Radium: This is a naturally occurring carcinogen. It can cause cancerous bones. Filters that remove it are reverse osmosis and cation exchange softeners, standard 44 and 58. Radon: Another naturally occurring contaminant, it is also a carcinogen and is a risk factor for cancerous lung. Carbon/charcoal and aeration devices remove it. Look for a standard 53. Selenium: maximum contaminant level is 0.05 mg/L. It is from natural deposits, mining, smelting, coal/oil combustion. Too much selenium can cause liver damage. Standard 58, 62 reverse osmosis filters will reduce selenium. Sulfates: can cause gastrointestinal irritation. They are naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis or distillation may be effective at removing. Sulfuric acid and nitric acid: acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, undergo chemical transformations. Reverse osmosis, distillation, carbon/charcoal filters will not remove them – the water needs to be ionized. Styrene: Maximum allowable amount 0.10 mg/L. Styrene is from plastic, rubber, resin and drug industries. It also can leach from landfills into the ground water. It causes liver and nervous system damage. Taste and odor: From natural sources and additives. Carbon/charcoal standard 42. Total dissolved solids: Come from the erosion of naturally occurring mineral deposits. TDS’s antagonizes the assimilation of other minerals and causes secondary mineral deficiencies. They can also cause gastrointestinal irritation in some people. Maximum level should not exceed 500 mg/L. Standard 42, 58, 62 distillation, reverse osmosis remove these. Toxaphene: A carcinogenic insecticide that was used on cattle, cotton, and soybeans. Standard 53, carbon/charcoal filter to remove it. Trichloroethylene: A carcinogen found in textile, metal and adhesive degreasers. Carbon/charcoal standard 53 removes it. This is part of the VOC category. Turbidity: from soil run off, it can interfere with disinfection and filtration. Charcoal/carbon; reverse osmosis standards 53, 58 can remove. Uranium: Causes kidney problems, cancer. Maximum allowable amount is 0.03 mg/L. Filtration systems are not currently certified to remove uranium although reverse osmosis, distillation or anion exchange resins may.
Bacterial Micro-forms Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually a result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes which distribute water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with germs that can cause disease. Fecal Coliform and E coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Micro-forms in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for biological transformation.  Turbidity may indicate the presence of dis-ease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, yeast, mold and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Cryptosporidium is a parasite/fungus that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the dis-ease can be severe or fatal for people with severely weakened immune systems. EPA and CDC have prepared advice for those with severely compromised immune systems.
Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
Radionuclides – Alpha emitters Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of EPA’s standard over many years may have an increased risk of increased acidity leading to cancerous tissue and tumor formation. Beta/photon emitters . Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of EPA’s standard over many years may have an increased risk of cellular transformation, increased acidity leading to cancerous tissue. Combined Radium 226/228 . Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of EPA’s standard over many years may have an increased risk of cellular transformation and increased acidity leading to cancerous states. Radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in underground water sources, such as wells, and in the air in your home. Breathing radon can cause the fermentation of lung tissue and cancerous lungs. Drinking water containing radon presents a risk of developing cancer. Radon in air is more dangerous than radon in water.
A few more inorganic contaminants: Antimony, Beryllium, Cyanide, and Thallium Arsenic Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of EPA’s standard over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of cellular fermentation and cancerous states.
http://www.phmiracleliving.com/arsenic.htm Lead typically leaches into water from plumbing in older buildings. Lead pipes and plumbing fittings have been banned since August 1998. Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead health risks. For advice on avoiding lead, see the how to remove lead in your drinking water fact sheet prepared by EPA. Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOCs) include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dicholoroethylene, Dichloromethane, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1,-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Toluene, Vinyl Chloride, and Xylenes.
Chlorine: Some people who use drinking water containing chlorine well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience stomach discomfort. Chloramine: Some people who use drinking water containing chloramines well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chloramines well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience stomach discomfort or anemia. Total Trihalomethanes: Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of EPA’s standard over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of cancerous tissue. Haloacetic Acids: Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of EPA’s standard over many years may have an increased risk of cancerous tissue. Bromate: Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of EPA’s standard. Bromate is a disinfection by-product of ozonization. Potential health impacts associated with Bromate include cancerous tissue and kidney toxicity. An Environmental Working Group analysis of Bromate tests reported by 73 public water suppliers in 16 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 3.9 million people in 2 communities drank water contaminated with Bromate. In 11 of these communities, tap water was contaminated at levels above health-based thresholds. Water suppliers reporting tests for Bromate (1998-2003):73 of 39,751.
MTBE is a fuel additive, commonly used in the United States to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels caused by auto emissions. Due to its widespread use, reports of MTBE detections in the nation’s ground and surface water supplies are increasing. The Office of Water and other EPA offices are working with a panel of leading experts to focus on issues posed by the continued use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline. EPA is currently studying the implications of setting a drinking water standard for MTBE. Potential health impacts associated with MTBE include cancerous conditions, developmental toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, neurotoxicity, and skin sensitivity. An Environmental Working Group analysis of MTBE tests reported by 16,866 public water suppliers in 30 states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 32.7 million people in 632 communities drank water contaminated with MTBE. MTBE remains unregulated in tap water, without a maximum legal limit.  Water suppliers reporting tests for MTBE (1998-2003):16,866 of 39,751. For more information of the published articles on alkaline water and the chemistry of acid/alkaline water go to:
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https://www.phmiracleproducts.com/collections/water
As someone that looks to improve their health I am pleased to offer you two free audio/videos, a powerful two hour interview with Dr Robert O. Young and Dr. Joseph Mercola and Dr. Robert O. Young and Tony Robbins. (there free to watch and listen to!)
Click here to listen the interview of Dr. Robert O. Young and Tony Robbins: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=1870270 I trust you’ll enjoy this…
To learn more about creating healthy purified functionally structured alkaline water watch the following youtube video: https://youtu.be/c3q2TzDraXI
Not part of our healing alkaline community? Visit websites at: http://www. drrobertyoung.com or http://www.ph miracleproducts.com To learn more about the science of Dr. Robert O. Young go to: http://www. drrobertyoung.com