Chemicals Found in Tap Water- The Five Most Harmful

December 4, 2009 by  
Filed under Healthy Living

Did you know that there are harmful chemicals in your supposedly safe drinking water? The government has never tried to hide the fact that there are chemicals found in tap water. However, government officials focus on what they consider helpful chemicals such as fluoride. Since fluoride is needed to protect teeth from decay, this emphasis had kept many homeowners from using filtered tap water to protect their family. Not only can fluoride, which does have some benefits, be found in tap water, but also you can find more harmful chemicals and additives. Here are the five most dangerous chemicals found in tap water supplies across the country.

1. Chlorine

Yes, this chemical kills bacteria in swimming pools and in your drinking water. But this chemical also dries out your skin and hair. This drying chemical, which is in most water supplies, helps the lotion industry to stay afloat.

2. Lead

This is one of the most dangerous chemicals found in tap water. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, states that too much lead in your body can cause serious damage to the kidneys, nervous system, brain, and red blood cells. And unfortunately, the lead can come from your own home and not from the water supply. Unusually high levels of lead can be caused by your pipes, and this does not matter how new or old they are or whether they are made out of copper or lead. The only way to remove this chemical is to use filtered tap water.

3. Pesticides

Over the past 20 years, scientists say that more pesticides are seeping into the ground water supply. While local governments make valiant efforts to keep the pesticide levels know, little is known about the long-term effects of minimum exposure to pesticides. Chronic health problems could be a result of continuous exposure.

4. Benzene

Studies have identified this chemical as a carcinogen and have even gone as far to say it could be a factor in leukemia. Benzene, which can be found in cigarette smoke as well as added to gas to increase it octane level, can be found in your water. In order to help eliminate this chemical it is advisable to drink filtered tap water.

5. Other heavy metals. Arsenic, mercury and cadmium

These chemicals can seep into a water supply and can go undetected. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable. Heavy metals can lead to cancer, nervous system damage and in extreme cases-  death. Studies are still being conducted on the long term effects of these chemicals found in tap water.

This information has likely surprised many people. So what are you waiting for? Is it your desire to expose your family to these chemicals? Do you want to provide your family with filtered tap water? It is easier than you think to install a water purifier. In order to protect your family from the chemicals found in tap water, this is the only proven way.