Staying hydrated is essential for our health.
Water is an essential element for sustaining life and the quality of tap water is not always guaranteed. It can contain harmful chemicals and contaminants that your body then to work hard to detox out of the body.
Access to clean and safe drinking water should be a fundamental right, today I want to delve into the presence of poisonous chemicals found in Australian tap water, which is a growing concern and also to explore the health implications that these chemical contaminants may have on the Australian population.
Municipal (town) water sources are often treated with chemicals to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. These are a few of the harmful chemicals found in tap water across Australia.
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Chlorine and Chlorination By-products: Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect water and kill harmful bacteria. However, when it reacts with natural organic matter in water, it forms disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been associated with an increased risk of cancer and other health issues.
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Fluoride: While fluoridation of water has been told a common practice to prevent dental cavities, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis, causing damage to teeth and bones links from
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Lead: Lead can leach into water from old plumbing systems, posing severe health risks, especially for children. Long-term exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, neurological problems, and cognitive impairments.
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Arsenic: Naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater can contaminate water supplies, potentially leading to various health problems, including skin lesions, cancer, and cardiovascular issues.
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Pesticides and Herbicides: Runoff from agricultural areas can introduce pesticides and herbicides into water sources, which may have adverse effects on human health, including reproductive and developmental issues.
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Industrial Pollutants: Industrial discharges can introduce a variety of toxic chemicals into water supplies, causing severe health problems if consumed over extended periods.
Filtered water tends to taste and smell better than unfiltered tap water. By eliminating impurities, it enhances the overall drinking experience and encourages increased water intake, which is crucial for staying hydrated and maintaining bodily functions. Choosing filtered water reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles, thus contributing to a healthier environment by decreasing plastic waste.
Even though the upfront investment of a water filter may seem costly, investing in a quality water filter can save money in the long run, as it reduces the need to purchase bottled water regularly.
Illnesses Associated with Chemicals in Drinking Water
Exposure to certain chemicals in tap water has been linked to various health issues. Some of the common illnesses associated with these contaminants include:
Gastrointestinal Problems: Consuming water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to gastrointestinal infections and stomach-related issues.
Neurological Disorders: Long-term exposure to heavy metals like lead and mercury in drinking water has been linked to neurological problems, particularly in children.
Cancer: Some chemical pollutants, such as arsenic and certain disinfection by-products, have been associated with an increased risk of cancer, including bladder, liver, and kidney cancer.
Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Certain contaminants in drinking water can interfere with hormone regulation and may impact reproductive health and fetal development.
Investing in a reliable water filter is a small yet significant step towards ensuring the health and longevity of ourselves and the planet. Remember, water is not just a basic necessity; it's the elixir of life!
This post is designed to get you thinking about tap water and its harmful additives and I strongly urge you to do your own research in this matter. After all, it is the thing we consume the most. Rather than investing in magic pills or other schemes look first to what we are ingesting.
So many chemicals on our food and beverages that we consume daily that didn't even exist 100+ years ago & we wonder where all these chronic diseases are coming from...
Start asking questions...
with love,
allana xx