Effects of Water Pollution

The effects of water pollution are varied. They include poisonous drinking water, poisonous food animals, unbalanced river and lake ecosystems that can no longer support full biological diversity, deforestation from acid rain, and many other effects. These effects are, of course, specific to the various contaminants.

Inorganic Substances

Some examples include:
Arsenic, Asbestos, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, and Nitrates.

Health consequences include:
Cancer, Nervous System Damage, Liver and Kidney Damage, Anemia, Headaches, and Birth defects.

Organic Substances

Some examples include:
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA), Aldicarb, Benzene, Chloroform, Dioxin, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's), Vinyl Chloride and Trichloroethylene (TCE).

Health consequences include:
Liver Damage, Nervous System Damage, Cancer, Liver and Kidney Damage, Pulmonary Effects, Anemia, Lung Damage, and Skin Disorders.

Radiation

Includes:
Radium, Radon, Uranium

Health consequences include:
Alteration of Cell Structure, Birth Defects, Cancer, Genetic Damage and Sterility.

The Federal Council on Environmental Quality reports that "Up to two thirds of all cancers may be attributed to these low level toxins," and that "once contaminated our ground water will remain so for tens of thousands of years...if not geologic time!"

The World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute both suggest that most human cancers, perhaps as many as 90% are caused by chemical carcinogens in the environment. Seventy- five years ago, before so many chemicals were present in our environment, one out of fi fty Americans would get cancer in their lives. Now, one in three Americans (1 in 2 males) will become cancer victims.

Childhood cancers have increased 300% in just the last 20 years, and much of this can be linked to the accumulation of manmade chemicals in our body.

Young children are especially susceptible to the effects of high levels of certain contaminants, including nitrate and lead. There is no safe level for lead in drinking water. Even very low levels of lead can cause reduced IQs, learning disabilities and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and reduced attention span. Often the effects of lead are life long and irreversible.

It is estimated by the EPA that lead in drinking water contributes to 560,000 cases of learning disorders in children and 680,000 cases of hypertension in adults, each year in the U.S. alone.

How can I find out more information?

When you request your Free no obligation Water Filtration System Quote you will have the chance to learn even more about your options and speak with a licensed local contractor in your area...Take me there

Points Of Interest

For more information on perserving our natural resources, visit the Natural Resources Defense Council.