Do You Know the Toxins in Your Water?

Water is the most important substance. Every cell, organ, and tissue in your body uses water to regulate your temperature and maintaining bodily functions. In addition, water acts as a lubricant and cushions your joints, preventing pain. Drinking water can help slow aging, prevent joint pain, and alleviate fatigue throughout the day. However, water is not always safe. Both tap water and bottled water can bring long-lasting side effects.

Harmful Chemicals in Tap Water

Although tap water is accessible and somewhat safe to drink in most regions, there are hidden dangers most of us are not aware of. The following are possible toxins that may be in your tap water:

1. Arsenic

Due to agricultural/industrial pollution or a private well, this chemical can make its way into residential tap water. Arsenic poisoning may lead to:

• numbness in hands and feet
• vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhoea
• skin discolouration
• blindness
• partial paralysis

2. Sodium chloride (from water softening)

Water softening is the process of removing heavy ions that clog up plumbing, such as calcium and magnesium, from water. It replaces these ions, which are also key natural minerals essential for the body, with sodium chloride (salt). When ingested in large amounts, it can lead to:

• respiratory distress
• convulsions
• hypernatremia

3. Chlorine

When chlorine enters the body, it reacts with water and produces corrosive acids. People exposed to excessive chlorine may experience:

• chronic cough
• breathing difficulty
• chronic sore throat
• chest tightness
• airway irritation

Harmful Substances in Plastic Water Bottles

Bottled water is not immune to risky chemicals either. Research showed some water brands have a lower pH (more acidic) than the neutral value, which may cause harm to your body. The manufacturing process for plastic bottles is also a contributor, where multiple raw materials are manipulated to create a shape ideal for holding liquids.

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

Plastic water bottles contain a significant amount of Bisphenol A (BPA), a substance classified as an endocrine disruptor. This meaning it negatively affects the reproductive system.

2. Plastic softeners (phthalates)

Plastic water bottles also contain plastic softeners, known as phthalates, which can also be toxic to human health.

Additionally, plastic water bottles are designed to be single-use. Reusing them may encourage bacteria growth and chemicals leaching into the water.

Related article: 4 Things You Should Know About Plastic and Recycling. Are You A Part Of The Plastic War?

How to Make Drinking Water Safer

To reduce the risks associated with various chemicals lurking in drinking water, one of the best solutions is to buy a water filter. It can filter out chemicals and toxins in your tap water, making it cleaner. Water filters can also reduce or eliminate reliance on plastic water bottles.

Conclusion

Water is critical to human functioning as water makes up 60% of our bodies. Therefore, we must be cautious about the water we drink.

At Green Schools Green Future, we spread awareness about sustainable and healthy living. Our model school project aims to teach children eco-friendly habits, from recycling to growing produce, to create the next generation of green leaders.