Within the past century, the extensive use of chemicals in agriculture and big industries has polluted every source of water on the planet. Even the polar ice caps and the Arctic Ocean are not free from this water pollution. Tap water should be a life-giving substance, but it may actually do more harm than good. Despite government regulations, there are still many dangerous contaminants in our water. This threat in our homes should be taken very seriously. Throughout all the general means available to safeguard the water quality, refrigerator water filters are the most practical and most affordable. Now, we carry out a risk analysis of tap water and take a look at a review of the top Frigidaire Puresource fridge water filters.
Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Tap Water
Recent studies have shown that polluted water is everywhere – not just a third world problem. In fact, safe drinking water is hard to find even in developed countries such as the U.S.
One particular study claimed that more than 25% of all large U.S. public water systems contain traces of one or more toxic substances. And according to Environmental Working Group, alarming levels of chromium-6 is present in the drinking water of nearly 200 million Americans from all 50 states.
A new study by the Canadian government suggests that more than 300,000 Canadians suffer from an acute stomach bug every year from polluted tap water – some of which are likely to end up in the hospital or even die.
In India, more than three-quarters of its rural population depends on groundwater for drinking, but 19 states have reported fluoride contamination of drinking water and groundwater and in at least 10 states, the water is polluted with arsenic.
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Here is a rundown of scary chemicals that are more than likely lurking in your tap water:
Chlorine
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant and added to the water supply to kill microorganisms, but it can cause severe illness. The byproducts that come from the chlorination of water are actually bigger concerns than the chlorine itself. They increase the risk of cancer, damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and nervous system, and kills the beneficial bacteria in the gut which are crucial to immunity and digestion.
Fluoride
Fluoride is commonly used in tap water to help prevent tooth decay. Yup, just like your toothpaste. However, fluoride has actually been shown to damage tooth enamel. It can also lead to cancer, osteoporosis, damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys, as well as cause behavioral disorders, birth defects, arthritis, hormone imbalance and excessive calcification of arteries and joints. That’ll make you think twice before swallowing your toothpaste after brushing.
Lead, Aluminum & Other Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can make their way into tap water through corrosion of the pipes in your plumbing system. Lead consumption has been related to severe developmental delays and learning disorders in children. Aluminum and other metals are linked to nerve, brain and kidney damage.
Arsenic
Arsenic poisoning is common in many parts of the world, especially Asia and Africa. A major part of arsenic in water results from mining and industrial pollution. Arsenic poisoning causes wide-ranging skin problems, physical deformities, and multiorgan failure.
Chromium
Chromium is known for its genotoxicity. Chromium-6, also named hexavalent chromium, has widespread use in paint industries, plastic and steel manufacturing. Exposure to this contaminant can cause different types of cancer – especially lung cancer. It is also implicated in kidney damage and intestinal problems.
How to Protect Yourself
Drinking tap water may misguide you that you’re saving money, but in the long run, you might invest more on the hospital bills due to the poisons from your tap water. If you are concerned about your drinking water, take action to minimize your risk. The following suggestions will help you get started.
Drink Filtered Water
The application of activated carbon is reputed as the most practical and efficient method for removing chemicals, heavy metals, harmful impurities, taste and odor from tap water. There is nothing better than installing an activated carbon water filter in your refrigerator. An extra advantage of connecting it to your fridge is purifying your ice cubes along with your drinking water. Hence, buying a high-quality water filtration system to install in your home gives you and your family a clean source of water.
Beware of Bottled Water
Bottled water is not the healthier choice as many people think. Actually, some bottled water is no less polluted than tap water. The plastic bottle makes matters worse by leaching chemicals into the drinking water – especially when it is exposed to heat. Plus, the enormous amount of plastic bottles has created overwhelming environmental concerns.
