Protect Children from Lead Exposure in Drinking Water

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Clean or pure water is one of the most important things that we must need to stay healthy. But sometimes, the water coming out from our home taps is not as clear or clear as it looks. Chemical runoff is now a growing concern and it can seep into our home tap water from farms, industrial factories, or even storm water drains.

These harmful chemicals can contain pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial waste which could harm your overall health over time.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from chemical runoff in tap water. This blog post is going to discuss all the essential details that you need to know in this regard. 

What is Chemical Runoff?

Generally, chemical runoff happens when harmful contaminants from the land wash into water sources. Normally this can happen during heavy rains, when chemicals from agriculture fields, factories, or roads get carried away into rivers and lakes, the same areas where we get our drinking water.

Below are some of the most common sources of chemical runoff:

• Agriculture Fields: Pesticides and fertilizers from agriculture farms.
• Industries: Water from industrial factories or mining operations.
• Urban Areas: Oils, chemicals, and garbage from city streets.

These harmful pollutants can ultimately make their way into your home tap water if not properly treated. 

How Chemical Runoff Affects Your Overall Health?

When chemicals mix with drinking water, they can lead to serious health risks. Here is what could happen:

• Pesticides: Long-term exposure to chemical runoffs can lead to hormone imbalances and certain cancer problems
• Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead or mercury can damage your brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
• Nitrates: Nitrates often come from fertilizers and they are specifically dangerous for babies, leading to a condition known as “Blue Baby Syndrome.”
• Industrial Chemicals: Industrial chemicals may cause severe problems such as liver damage and development delays.

Even if your tap water is treated, traces of these harmful chemicals can sometimes still be present, so it is essential to adopt extra precautions for better health.

Steps to Protect Yourself from Chemical Runoff

Below are some of the important steps you should take to protect yourself from chemical runoff.

1. Know your Water source:

Start by finding out where your tap water comes from and whether your tap water is at risk of harmful contamination. Contact your local water company in your area to request a water quality report. Most water suppliers test regularly and provide detailed information about contaminants.

2. Invest in a good Water Filter:

Investing in a good water filter is one of the ways to protect yourself from chemical runoffs or harmful contaminants. Below are some of the most effective water filters that you should consider to protect yourself:

• Undersink Filters: The undersink water filters sit beneath the kitchen sink to effectively remove a wide range of impurities and contaminants from the drinking water.
• Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis is extremely good at removing harmful chemicals from water, but these water filters are a bit expensive compared to others.
• Ultraviolet Filters: Ultraviolet water filters are useful for killing bacteria and they are effective in providing clean or pure water for drinking or cooking purposes.

To completely protect yourself from chemical runoffs, make sure to change the water filters regularly, as old water filters can stop working properly or even release trapped chemicals back into the tap water.

3. Boiling your Water

Boiling water can remove many biological contaminants, but it is less effective when it comes to chemical contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. In emergencies, when you cannot use water filters or bottled water, boiling water is still better than drinking normal water.

4. Opt for Bottled or Distilled Water:

When contamination is a famous issue in your area, you may want to rely completely on bottled or distilled water for both drinking and cooking purposes. Look for bottled water companies with certifications from well-known health and safety agencies.

While this method can be an expensive option over time, but it makes sure that your family is now safe from any harmful runoff. If possible, choose eco-friendly bottled water options to reduce your environmental footprint.

5. Protect Yourself While Outdoors

When outdoors near water sources, you may encounter chemical runoff through fishing, swimming, or simply walking near contaminated areas. To stay safe properly, avoid swimming in areas famous for having contaminated pollution by checking local environmental reports or water quality applications.

Moreover, if you are working near water to decrease skin contact with potentially harmful substances, then wear protective gear such as water-resistant boots and gloves for better results. 

After spending time in such areas, wash by showering and changing your clothes quickly to remove any trace of contaminants from your skin and fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I do to remove chemicals from my tap water?

Using a good water filter is the simplest and easiest way to remove harmful chemicals from tap water.

Specifically, look for activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems as they both are effective against a wide range of harmful contaminants. Remember to change your water filter regularly for the best results.

What health issues can I experience due to chemical contamination?

There are numerous health issues that you may experience due to exposure to chemicals, some of the major ones are:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Neurological impacts
• Reproductive problems
• Long-term chronic issues

How do you test your water for chemical contamination?

There are multiple methods that you can take for testing. One is utilizing the water testing kits and the other one is taking water samples to the nearby certified laboratory.

Conclusion:

Chemical runoff in tap water poses a significant challenge to public health. But, by knowing your water source, using filtration methods, boiling water, and opting for safe alternatives such as bottled or distilled water, you can completely protect yourself and your family from chemical runoff.