7 Gnarly Chemicals Found in Your Drinking Water

Every day, millions of Americans drink water contaminated with a host of scary chemicals and carcinogens. From arsenic to mercury and lead, these chemicals are making their way into your body every time you take a sip. Have you been putting off purchasing that reverse osmosis filter? This is your wake up call. Here are seven nasty chemicals that may be hiding in your drinking water.
1. Hexavent Chromium
A report released by the Environmental Working Group found that millions of Americans were drinking water with hexavalent chromium. It’s a dangerous carcinogen also known as chromium 6. It was discovered in a water supply in Hinkley, Calif., (made famous by Erin Brockovich) for which Pacific Gas & Electric was ordered to $330 million in damages. The latest report found the highest levels in Norman, OK; Honolulu, HA; Riverside, Calif.; Madison, WI; and San Jose, Calif.
2. Synthetic Oestrogen
A hormone found in the pill is getting into drinking water. According to researchers, synthetic oestrogen is causing male fish to change sex. Experts believe that synthetic oestrogen is impacting male sperm counts.
3. Arsenic
Trace amounts of arsenic in the body interfere with the tumor-suppressing hormone glucocorticoid, while also damaging lung cells and causing heart inflammation. In February 2000, the Natural Resources Defense Council complied data of drinking water in 25 states and found that 34 million Americans were drinking tap water containing average levels of arsenic that posed unacceptable cancer risks.
4. Uranium
While the body eliminates most uranium found in drinking water, some is absorbed and carried through the blood stream where it can increase your risk of kidney damage.
5. Chlorine
Chlorine is used to protect drinking water from disease caused by organisms and pathogens. It’s a disinfectant but according to Dr. Mercola, it’s also very toxic. He cited U.S. Council of Environmental Quality research that found cancer risk was 93 percent higher in people who drink chlorinated water.
6. Lead
This poisonous metal can damage the blood, brain, and disrupt nervous system communications. Lead ends up in drinking water through the corrosion of lead pipes and pollution from power plants.
7. Mercury
According to the EPA, the major sources of mercury in drinking water include “erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; and runoff from croplands.” Exposure to mercury can cause tremors, psychotic reactions, and suicidal tendencies. Yikes.
Want to drink tap water that’s not laden with life-threatning chemicals? Check out our “Top 3 Tips For Choosing A Water Filter.”
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Toxic Drinking Water in 43 States, Affecting 100 Million Americans
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