The Five Most Harmful Chemicals Found in Tap Water

by Article Poster on November 22, 2009

Harmful chemicals are in your supposedly safe drinking water, do you know? The fact that chemicals are found in tap water has never been hidden by the government. However, government officials focus on what they consider helpful chemicals such as fluoride. The emphasis on fluoride has even lead to stories discouraging residents from using filtered tap water because fluoride is needed to protect teeth from decay. No one can argue the benefit of fluoride but other, more harmful chemicals and additives can be found in tap water. Listed are the 5 most dangerous chemicals found in tap water supplies across the world.

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. Your pipes–whether they are copper or lead, new or old–can cause unusually high levels of lead. The use of filtered tap water is the only way to remove this chemical.

3. Pesticides

Over the past 20 years, scientists say that more pesticides are seeping into the ground water supply. Little is known about the long-term effects of minimum exposure to pesticides while local governments make great strides to keep the pesticide levels known. Exposure could lead to chronic health problems.

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. Drinking filtered tap water will help eliminate this chemical.

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.

Many people have likely been surprised by this information. Why would you wait any longer? Is it your desire to expose your family to these chemicals? Or do you want to provide your family with safe, filtered tap water? Installing a water purifier is easier than you think. This is the only guaranteed way to protect your family from the chemicals found in tap water.

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