The water streaming from the water fountain isn’t as safe as we believed when we were children: it could be cutting days from our lives. In fact, there are countless compounds that are present in toxic water wells all over the world. The problem isn’t isolated to developing countries. The tragedy in Flint, Michigan proved that we need to re-examine the water we are drinking right here at home.
The human body is composed of nearly 75% water, so it is vital to find out what exactly you are putting into your body and how it affects your health. HFR has compiled a list of the most common contaminants that are present in the drinking water in America. Keep reading below to find out what invisible contaminants may be lingering in your faucet:
Dioxins
Cancer causing agents that have recently been reported in high levels within nearly 30 water wells in Harris County. These compounds are detrimental to human health because they cause reproductive and developmental problems because they target the immune system, keeping your body from being able to heal properly.
Fluoride
Our water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses have been fluoridated for decades, and because it is believed to prevent tooth decay, does not relinquish the harm it causes to your body and brain. A study conducted at Harvard’s School of Public Health not only concludes that fluoridated water lowers children’s IQ, but it also greatly hinders neurological development.
Fluoride proponents have justified its use for years because of ‘oral health benefits,’ but the tax it is taking on your brain is not worth it! There is also research stating that there was actually a decrease in dental decay after fluoride was removed from water in East Germany, so why is this poison still being added to drinking water all over the world? There is even a link to increased bone tumors, or osteosarcomas, that were present after fluoridated water was introduced to a population of rats.
Hormones
Hormones, such as estrogen, are coming out of your tap every time you get a glass of water. This is an issue because it is beginning to impact aquatic life by disrupting the male-to-female ratio in fish. An overdose of these hormones has also created an influx of intersex fish, which are a combination of the male and female genders. Just imagine what it could be doing to you! These chemical compounds become present in the water when people flush or pour their medications down the drain, or even dispose of them in the trash where they are burned in landfills. If you have unused medication you can properly dispose or return them at a location near you.
E. Coli (0157:H7)
There are many reports of E. Coli and other bacteria present in not only drinking water but even at the beach! If your area has an E. Coli outbreak, adults are still advised to shower, as long as no water is swallowed. It is also recommended to use boiled or bottled water to brush your teeth. You can also boil water for 1-3 minutes (depending on elevation level) allow to cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate to store safely. E. Coli contamination has even led to death in some, and created gastrointestinal issues in many others. If you live in the United States and would like to know if your local water wells have been contaminated, you can contact state certification officers at this website.
Flesh-Eating Bacteria
A terrible outbreak of flesh-eating bacteria has gripped the Southern coast of the United States. Flesh-eating bacteria, or vibriosis, are present in beaches that come in contact with the Gulf of Mexico. If you have open wounds, it is heavily advised to stay out of waters that could be contaminated with this deadly bacteria. It can also be contracted from eating contaminated raw seafood.
If you believe you may have been exposed, it is best to act promptly by contacting paramedics immediately, as these deadly toxins spread rapidly, leaving dying tissues behind. You can monitor recent outbreaks that have been in America and in Northwest Spain, so be cautious if you are visiting Galicia, Spain, or Florida, Texas, and Louisiana in the U.S. this summer!
Heavy Metals
There are dozens of toxins that are present in our sinks, showers, and water fountains, but who would have guessed that there are even heavy metals that are floating around completely invisible to the naked eye? The best way to prevent these contaminants from making their way into your body when cooking, showering, or drinking the tap water (which we do not recommend) is to choose cold over hot water, since lower amounts of lead are present, and opt for filtered, purified, or distilled water.
Remember that not all bottled water is safer than tap water! Here is a list of the worst 35 contaminants, *internal scream* with a summary of how they are slowly killing you. Follow these helpful tips to naturally detox your body and brain if you already have been exposed to a toxic level of heavy metals.
