| Most Common Hydro-Toxins in Water Fluoride, an endocrine disruptor, is added to most drinking water supplies in the U.S. while 97% of western Europe has chosen fluoride-free water. Children exposed to this contaminant develop white spotting (fluorosis), typically on their two front teeth, which offers a glimpse of the cellular damage caused internally by this hydro-toxin. It is also been shown to damage the brain (dementia-like effects, IQ reduction), thyroid (hypothyroidism), bones (diminished strength, increased fracture risk), and chronic joint pain. Arsenic is found most commonly found in areas utilizing pumped groundwater or where mining/industrial contamination has occurred, such as Albuquerque, Houston, and Phoenix. Arsenic in drinking water is known to cause various cancers, including bladder, skin, and lungs. Lead typically enters drinking water supplies from corroded pipes, plumbing, or faucets. Cities known to have high levels of this hydro-toxin include Boston, Newark, and Seattle. Lead is often labeled the #1 environmental health threat to children, damaging the brain, nervous system, kidneys and red blood cells. Nitrates enter the water supply from waste and agricultural runoff; sources include synthetic fertilizers, cattle or dairy farms, and septic tanks or sewage spillage. Fresno, Phoenix, and Philadelphia top the list of cities to be highly concerned with this water pollutant. Short term exposure for pregnant women and infants can be fatal, while long term intake may cause cancer, damage the spleen, and reduce blood oxygen levels resulting in a multitude of serious illnesses. Chlorine and chloramine are used to disinfect public water supplies in the U.S. Both the chemicals and their byproducts are known to cause damage throughout the body, internally and externally. The most commonly noticed effects are those on the skin and hair, which may become dry and brittle or oilier as the body attempts to overcompensate for the cellular damage. Both contaminants also damage mucus membranes, including the eyes and nose, digestive upset, nervous system damage, as well as anemia. Ever wonder why you feel so relaxed and ready for bed after a hot shower? If your water is chlorinated, it may be because inhaled fumes act as an anesthetic. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Inventory your fluoride exposure to find out how much you intake. Common sources to consider include your drinking water, food cooked in water, other beverages made with water including soda, and dental care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Contact your water supply company to request a water quality report. Purchase a high quality filter to remove all of the above common contaminants and more.
Purchase a high quality filter to remove all of the above common contaminants and more.
Sources: Natural Resources Defense Council Environmental Protection Agency | 
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