Potential Water Contaminants and their Effects

Water is among the most precious resources on the planet. To make sure you stay healthy, you have to make sure your water is free of contaminants. These pollutants can have devastating effects on your health. In this guide, we will look at some of the most common water contaminants and their impacts.

1. Mould

in the lungs. If you suspect that your water may be contaminated with mould, you should request aWhile it is fairly rare, mould can in fact grow in water. This usually happens in cases where your water source or pipes have enough oxygen and organic food matter to promote the growth of mould. If mould is already growing in your house (and more specifically the bathroom), then you might need to test your water for this contaminant. You may also be able to smell the mould in your water. Mould can cause respiratory issues and worsen conditions like asthma. In rare cases, it can cause a severe mould infection  mould-test. You can then follow the directions given to collect the water samples, after which you can send them to the labs for testing.

2. Asbestos

It might surprise you that a large percentage of the world’s population consumes water that is contaminated with asbestos. Normally, this is in concentrations that are too low to cause any health issues. In large concentrations, asbestos can cause lung cancer, so it is essential to test your water and purify it to eliminate asbestos. A simple way to treat asbestos-contaminated water is to use a home filter that uses a carbon filter or reverse osmosis system.

3. Arsenic

Arsenic is another highly dangerous water contaminant. Long-term exposure to this element can cause cancers of the skin, lungs, bladder, kidney, and liver. If you’re trying to protect your skin, you should also take steps to ensure that your water is arsenic-free. This is because exposure to this element causes skin lesions. Arsenic has also been linked to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The most cost-effective method of removing arsenic from your tap water is using reverse osmosis. Other possible treatments include using anionic exchange, iron oxide filters, and activated alumina.

4. Microorganisms

Your water may contain microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, and all these can be extremely dangerous. A common bacterium that is found in water is E. coli. This can cause vomiting, nausea, cramps, and headaches. It can especially be harmful to infants, children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. One way of eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms from your water is to boil the water. Make sure you bring it to a rolling boil for one minute. You can also disinfect the water with chemicals.

Conclusion

Some of the most common contaminants you may find in your water are mould, arsenic, asbestos, bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. You should test your water to confirm whether it has any of these contaminants. There are many ways of eliminating these pollutants, and the easiest is to install a water filter.