Chemical Pollutants Examples
The
most common water contamination causes are from Chemical Pollutants Examples. I
have done extensive research on the main causes of water pollution and here I
will analyze my findings.
We are constantly advised to recycle and
dispose of our waste in the proper manner, but only a very small percentage of
the global population and companies follow this advice. The result is that they
contaminate our environment, water sources, resulting in severe health
challenges. It is vital to remember that Pollution is caused by chemical and
unnatural contaminants.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a heavy
metal known to be very toxic. People who drink water that contains arsenic
beyond the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA's) standard for many years could go
through several serious health issues. These could include problems with the
bladder, heart, kidney, liver and lungs.
Arsenic can cause
damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as the circulatory
system. Exposure to arsenic has been connected to different kinds of cancers.
Fluoride
Most communities
include fluoride in the water they drink to promote good dental health. It is
up to a community to decide whether they would like to add fluoride to their
water. EPA has set a standard of 4 mg/L fluoride for drinking water. Those who
drink water with fluoride beyond this level for several years could suffer from
bone disease, bone pain and tenderness.
EPA has set another
standard of 2 mg/L to give protection from dental fluorosis. Whether it comes
in a moderate or severe form, dental fluorosis could lead to the pitting or the
brown staining of permanent teeth. This only takes place in developing teeth
before piercing through the gums. Kids below nine years old should never drink
water with more than 2 mg/L of fluoride.
Lead
Lead typically enters
the water system from plumbing in older establishments. Since August 1998,
pipes and plumbing fittings made from lead have been banned. Pregnant women and
children are the most prone to health risks caused by lead. To avoid lead, know
how to remove it from your drinking water by reading the EPA fact sheet.
Disinfectants
To kill the germs in
drinking water, like e coli and giardia, most water suppliers add a disinfectant
to the water. After heavy rains, your water system may add more disinfectants
to ensure that such germs are killed.
Chlorine
Many people who drink
water with chlorine which is more than EPA's standard could get irritated eyes
and nose, plus stomach ache.
Chloramines are often
formed whenever chlorine and ammonia are combined to treat the water. Water
with chloramines is safe o drink - provided that it conforms to EPA rules. On
the other hand, people exposed to chloramines beyond EPA's standard may feel
some irritation in their eyes, nose and stomach.
Chlorine Dioxide is
added to water to control its taste and odor. Infants and younger children who
drink water with chlorine dioxide which is more than the EPA's standard could
experience anemia and nervous system effects. The same effects may also take
place in fetuses of pregnant women who drink more than EPA's standard of water
with chlorine dioxide.
Disinfection
Byproducts
Disinfection
byproducts are formed whenever disinfectants added to water to kill germs act
in response with naturally-occurring organic matter in it.
Total Trihalomethanes
When people drink
water with trihalomethanes exceeding EPA's standard for many years, they may
experience health issues as regards to their central nervous systems, kidneys
and liver, as well as have a higher risk of acquiring cancer.
Haloacetic Acids
Those who drink water
with haloacetic acids that are above EPA's standard for several years have a
higher risk of getting cancer.
Bromate
Some individuals who
drink water with bromate which is beyond EPA's standard over the years are more
prone to getting cancer.
Chlorite
A number of infants
and kids who consume water containing chlorite greater then EPA's standard
could experience anemia and nervous system effects. Similar effects may also
take place in fetuses of pregnant women.
Chemicals that we use on land can seep into
our drinking water, waterways and reach our oceans, rivers and lakes. We say
that the water body is polluted when it is unfit for its intended purpose.
When chemicals from landfills seep into the
ground and into our water supply, for example, it can make us sick. Our
drinking water will be unsafe to drink. Our extensive use of pesticides in
agriculture is also another cause of water pollution.
When these chemicals get into rivers, lakes
and oceans, it can kill marine animals and marine flora, causing an imbalance
in out aquatic ecosystem. Even birds are affected by water pollution since they
get their food from the ocean too. Fish is part of our food supply. When
chemicals invade our oceans, it can contaminate the fish. When we eat these
contaminated fish, it can have adverse effects to our health.
The ocean comprises
about 70% of our planet and water is without a doubt our most precious natural
resource - which is why the extinction of many marine animals is a big cause of
concern. Without a healthy marine bio system, our planet and all who live in it
are in serious danger.
Conclusion.
We know this, but what are we doing about it?
If we don’t become better at disposing of our waste and taking care of our
water sources, there will come a time when we won’t be able to enjoy these
water bodies, and worse, have any clean water to drink.
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