Dangers of toxic metal contamination of water bodies
For a substance that is so essential to our existence, the level of care displayed towards the water we consume is sadly inadequate. Water pollution is one of the major global health challenges in this age and heavy metals among the major water pollutants. Unfortunately, there is no telltale sign for identifying water polluted with heavy metals. But the health effects of such pollutants could be devastating. They are the classical slow poisons, gradually accumulating over time before the resultant illness manifests. At this point, it is often too late to salvage the situation.
What are the toxic metals?
These metals are also known as heavy metals and as the name implies, they typically have a high atomic weight. These metals are naturally present in the earth crust and they are often discharged as waste from the activities of construction, mining, and manufacturing industries. A few of these metals such as copper, zinc, cobalt, etc. are required by the body in very little amounts. Many others such as mercury, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, cadmium etc. are toxic to the body even in seemingly little amounts. There is also the danger of accumulation. The body cannot get rid of these metals naturally. So, little quantities accumulate over time to the detriment of the individual’s health. Thus, they are not expected to find their way into the water we drink.
Harmful effects toxic metals
Usually, the health effects of toxic metals occur after they have accumulated over time. So, if your drinking water supply is contaminated, you could be in danger already although you may still appear healthy. The health effects vary from metal to metal but some of the known health effects include:
- Carcinogenicity
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Developmental anomalies
- Hearing loss
- Neurological disorders
- Blood disorders
- Organ damage, etc.
The effects would also vary with the dose and route of exposure. If one is exposed to large amounts at a time, acute heavy metal toxicity occurs but this rarely happens through drinking contaminated water. The body cells can also react when the skin touches water that contains toxic metals. This could lead to dermatological issues that may prove difficult to treat.
How to protect yourself and your family
Personal protection is the only reliable means through which you can protect yourself and your family from the health risks of exposure to water that is contaminated with toxic metals. You should install a reliable water purification system in your home to guarantee full protection. It is imperative to note that not all purification systems are designed to handle heavy metal contamination. Our water purification systems are specially designed to get rid of the heavy metals while still leaving the essential minerals in the water. The result is a pure, 100% safe drinking water for you and your family.
References
- https://www.kent.co.in/blog/harmful-effects-of-heavy-metal-contamination-in-drinking-water/
- http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/oped/heavy-metal-toxicity-and-water-contamination.html
- IRIS Toxicological Review for Hexavalent Chromium; Cr(VI) Docket EPA-HQ-ORD-2014-0313