All About Water

An Introduction to Chemicals in Water

Chemicals in water come in a variety of forms, safe and unsafe, organic and inorganic. They also come from a variety of sources, from pollution to water treatment.

Organic and Inorganic Chemicals in Water

While some chemicals in water are harmless at lower concentrations, many chemicals in water are toxic. Chemicals in water come in two basic varieties, organic and inorganic. Organic chemicals in water are chemicals that can naturally occur. These include chemicals from food processing waste, petroleum products, and cosmetics. Inorganic chemicals are chemicals that do not naturally occur. Some inorganic chemicals in water come from heavy metals from industrial by-products, cars, and fertilizers.

Chemicals in Water: Water Treatment

We think of water treatment as a process that removes chemicals from water, purifying it. However, in the process of eliminating the chemical contaminants in water, water treatment also adds some chemicals in water. Water treatment is applied not only to drinking water, but also to water that’s used for industrial, medical, and other purposes. The goal of water treatment is to make water safe enough to return to natural environments without causing negative ecological effects. Water treatment can refer to water settling and filtration, but it can also refer to the chemical processes of disinfection, desalination and coagulation. Contaminants in water include bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants like fertilizers.  Water treatment is hugely important because waterborne diseases kill 1.8 million people each year.

Naturally Occurring Chemicals in Water

Chemicals in water do not necessarily constitute water pollution. Some chemicals can naturally occur in water (like sodium and calcium, for instance). However, even these chemicals can harm us and Earth’s ecosystems if they are too highly concentrated.

What Is DDT?

DDT, the abbreviation for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, is a well-known chemical pesticide with a controversial history.

The Properties of DDT

DDT does not naturally occur. Instead, it must be chemically synthesized. Because DDT has caused so much controversy, it has been marketed under several trade names, like Anofex, Chlorophenothane, Dicophane, and Neocidol. When ingested by insects, DDT causes spasms and eventually death. However, some mutated insects have developed a gene that has made them resistant to insecticides like DDT. When ingested by humans, DDT can disrupt our endocrine systems.

The History of DDT

The chemist Othmar Zeidler first synthesized DDT in 1874. However, he was not aware that the chemical could work as an insecticide. Later, in 1939, the Swiss scientist Paul Hermann Muller discovered DDT’s insecticidal properties. He was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1948 for his discovery. DDT was first used as a pesticide during WWII, where it worked so well as an insect killer that some soldiers labeled it the “atomic bomb” of pesticides. After WWII, DDT was made available to farms, where it could be used on crops. It soon became the most popular insecticide.

Rachel Carson Questions DDT’s Safety

In 1962, biologist Rachel Carson published a book called Silent Spring, a book that many credit with beginning the environmental movement. In Silent Spring, Carson questioned whether indiscriminately spraying DDT onto crops was harming the environment. She was the first scientist to truly critique the safety of releasing chemicals into the environment without knowing how they would impact us or our world. Carson worried that pesticides like DDT were harming the environment and causing cancer in humans. Largely because of Silent Spring’s popularity, the United States banned DDT’s agricultural usage in 1972.

DDT Today

After being banned, DDT is much less common today. Between 1950 and 1980, worldwide agriculture used over 40,000 tons of DDT each year. In 2009, however, only 3313 tons of DDT were produced, and they were produced mainly for the treatment of malaria, not for agricultural use. Environmentalists believe that the DDT ban has helped endangered species make comebacks, most notably the bald eagle.

What Are Phthalates: An Introduction

Many readers may be wondering, “What are phthalates?” Phthalates are a group of petroleum-based chemicals that were originally developed to make plastics more flexible. Nearly all people in industrialized and developing countries carry varying amounts of phthalate compounds in their bodies. However, phthalates have also been found to disrupt hormones in animals and humans. Because we use plastics in virtually every part of our lives, we may limit our exposure to phthalates, but never completely eliminate it.

What Are Phthalates: Common Uses of Phthalates

Once we understand what are phthalates, we must understand what they’re used for. Phthalates are chemicals that can be found in anything plastic. Food packaging, nail polish, vinyl tiling, garden hoses, shampoos and insect repellent all contain phthalates. In fact, the coveted “new car smell” is actually the smell of phthalates vaporizing as plastic parts are exposed to heat. Given our constant exposure to phthalates, it is unsurprising that these chemicals affect human health.

What are Phthalates: Health Risks of Phthalates

What are phthalates? Dangerous. Phthalates are hormone disruptors. Phthalate exposure in the womb shortens gestation, lowers male children’s sperm count and in female children causes endocrine problems that lead to premature breast development. This is especially worrying because, according to a 2000 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, women of child-bearing age receive twenty times more phthalate exposure than any other segment of the population. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has regulated phthalates as water and air pollutants since 2005. In lab animals, phthalate exposure again lowers sperm count and also causes birth defects and testicular atrophy.

What Are Phthalates: How to Avoid Phthalates

Although research has proven phthalates’ devastating health consequences for animals, research has not yet proven phthalates’ health consequences for humans to an extent that would sufficiently justify banning phthalates’ usage. However, you can lessen your phthalate exposure in several ways. Avoid products with artificial fragrances, as these products likely contain phthalates.  Shop for personal care items that are labeled “phthalate-free.” If a product’s label lists di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) among its ingredients, put it back on the shelf.

What Are Phthalates: Common Products That Contain Phthalates

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has published a list of 210 common household items that contain phthalates. This list can be accessed at their website and used as a guide to the products you should watch out for. The EWG also publishes a parents’ guide to phthalate-free childcare products.

Chlorine in Water

Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect our water. However, chlorine in water can also harm us. Because of this, we need to learn how to remove the chlorine in water, or how to entirely replace chlorine usage in our water treatment.

Why Chlorine Is Added into Our Water Supply

Chlorine is well-known and widely used to disinfect our water. Chlorine in water deactivates various pathogenic microorganisms (like bacteria or viruses), which cause illness. Authorities chlorinate public water supplies in order to kill the hazardous bacteria present in our water or water pipes. In addition to disinfecting water, chlorine is also used to disinfect various home and hospital areas and to bleach fabrics. We have used chlorine in water as a disinfectant for over two hundred years.

How Chlorine in Water Can Hurt Us

Although chlorine can disinfect our water, it can also hurt us if ingested. Chlorine in water can form into toxins called trihalomethanes (THMs); THMs correlate with diseases like asthma, eczema, bladder cancer, and heart diseases. Studies have shown that drinking large amounts of chlorinated tap water dramatically increases pregnant women’s risk of miscarriages and birth defects.

How We Can Remove Chlorine from Water

Carbon filters remove chlorine, THMs, and other harmful contaminants from our water. Additionally, while they produce the same excellent water quality that electronic filters produce, carbon filters are much cheaper. You can also remove chlorine and other contaminants from water without a home filtration system by placing water in an uncovered container and leaving it inside your refrigerator for twenty-four hours.

Water Treatment Alternatives to Chlorine in Water

Although we need to disinfect our water, we don’t need to use chlorine to do so. Several Canadian and European cities are disinfecting their water using the ozone instead of chlorine. Some cities in the United States, like Las Vegas and Santa Clara, are also switching to this alternative. However, the easiest way to get rid of the chlorine in water is simply to filter it out.

Oil and water don’t mix. The effect of an oil spill on water ecosystems is far-reaching, and while some of the effects can be seen immediately, other impacts take years to be fully understood. Between 1989, when the Exxon Valdez ran aground, spilling 750,000 of Prudhoe crude into Alaska’s Prince William Sound and 2010, when a blowout preventer failed on BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico, little has been done to improve spill prevention or cleanup procedures.

The Negative Effects of an Oil Spill

Sea and shore birds and marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, otters, penguins and sea lions are coated with oil as they land on or swim through a spill. A harmful effect of an oil spill is that fur and feathers lose their insulating properties, leading to death from hypothermia. For the animals that survive, long term effects include cancers, infections and spontaneously aborted offspring.

Another effect of an oil spill is fish kills. Fish swim through the spill and become coated with oil. Unable to absorb oxygen through their gills, the fish die. Fish farther from the spill consume contaminated fish and plant life. Contamination of spawning grounds decimates the species’ ability to recover.

Spilled oil then moves with tides and winds, creating large, oxygen-free zones that kill everything in their paths. Oil enters every part of the food chain, from plankton to fish to animals that eat fish, including humans.

Perhaps the worst effect of an oil spill is the destruction of wetlands. Not only did the BP spill destroy nesting grounds for hundreds of species of migrating birds, it destroyed the plants that form the delicate wetland ecosystem. Wetlands are a critical part of dispersing storm surges from hurricanes, leaving port cities like New Orleans even more vulnerable to harm.

How Oil Spills are Cleaned Up

Booms made of absorbent materials are used to keep surface oil in a contained area. Oil is then skimmed or pumped into container ships. Controlled burning has also been done. Chemical dispersants are sprayed to break up oil, causing it to sink to the bottom. None of these methods is particularly effective, and all create an additional effect of an oil spill on water. It is worth noting that cleanup measures are generally developed by oil companies, and have not changed substantially in the years between the Exxon catastrophe and the BP disaster.

Preventing Future Oil Spills

Improved safety and regulation enforcement for both ships and drilling rigs is sorely needed to prevent another catastrophe. An inexpensive redesign of the blowout preventer on BP‘s Deepwater Horizon rig would have prevented the release of 172 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Many people wonder how good the water quality in their area is. When water contains contaminants, it leaves behind tiny particles that are dissolved in the water, particles that are called “total dissolved solids.”  This map charts total dissolved solids in the water. Although this chart doesn’t show exactly which contaminants are present in your water and whether they’re bad for you, it’s still a good measure of water purity.

Click on the map to find out more about your local water quality.

Fluoride in water supplies is quite a controversial topic these days. As with nearly every topic, there are two sides of the fluoride debate. Some believe fluoride to be beneficial, especially in oral health and overall costs. Others, however, believe the possible side effects of fluoride in the water to be far too risky and even unethical.

Fluoride in Water Fights Tooth Decay

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluorides prevents tooth decay. Bacterias from certain foods create acids which eat away the natural minerals lining the teeth. Fluoride restores the minerals, preventing further damage to the tooth, and even helping to restore damaged teeth. When it is in the water supply, teeth are repeatedly exposed to the fluoride, allowing for frequent protection. Tooth decay has become extremely prevalent, especially in children and teenagers. Half of teens, ages 12-15, have at least one cavity. Fluoridated water can be very beneficial to people of every age, as studies have shown that over a person’s lifetime, tooth decay can be reduced by 25 percent.

Fluoride in Water Saves Money

Due to the consistent protection teeth receive through fluoridated water, overall costs of oral health decrease. The outright cost to fluoridate water is about .50 per person, based on a city of 20,000 or more. The CDC claims that “every $1 invested in this preventive measure yields approximately $38 savings in dental treatment costs.” Fluoridated water is more cost effective than obtaining fluoride from other means, such as toothpaste or mouth washes, though these methods still provide the same protection.

Risks of Fluoride in Water

Not everyone is convinced that fluoride is beneficial, however, and believe the risks and potential side effects of fluoride outweigh the benefits. Some studies show that fluoride can potentially cause cancer, lower the IQ, cause changes in bone structure and inhibit the immune system. One study in the United Kingdom showing that miscarriages and birth defects were 15 percent more likely in areas with fluoridated water, compared to those without it. Additionally, in this fluoridated city, Down’s Syndrome was 30 percent more likely. Like everything, fluoride has potential side effects, but that does not mean that these side effects will come to fruition. The CDC has deemed use of fluoride safe, though risks do still exist.

The Verdict on Fluoride in Water

Though there are benefits to fluoride in water supplies, there are also risks to be accounted for before deciding one way or another.

Government water treatment plants add aluminum in water supplies, along with chlorination, to insure the purity and safety of the nation’s drinking water. Aluminum is used as a clearing agent to remove dangerous viruses, parasites and bacteria that are resistant to chlorination. If the water treatment process is done correctly, most aluminum is gone by the time water reaches us. But what happens when the level of aluminum in drinking water is allowed to remain above the 200 micrograms per liter that is recommended? How does aluminum in our drinking water effect our health? Can we remove aluminum from our tap water? These are questions we need answers for.

How Does Aluminum in Water Collect?

Some aluminum in water occurs naturally, some can be from factory run off and some is put in the water by water treatment plants to remove impurities and microorganisms that cause disease. With the correct treatment, aluminum in the water after this process should be equal to untreated water. Aluminum in water becomes a problem only when the levels are too high. It is recommended, by environmental officials and the World Health Organization, that the level of aluminum not exceed 200 micrograms per liter of drinking water.

How Does Too Much Aluminum in Water Hurt Us?

With high levels of aluminum in water the population can be at risk for nervous system disorders, ADD, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease. Studies are still being done to confirm this. Dr Prolo, a researcher with The University of California, Los Angeles campus, found that in regions of Italy where the levels of aluminum in water are highest, there were more cases of Alzheimer’s disease than in areas with lower levels of aluminum in the water. The levels of all types of aluminum in that water were from 5 to 1,220 micrograms per liter. More studies are needed to find the true health risk of aluminum in our water and what levels are dangerous.

How Can We Remove Aluminum in Water?

Water treatment plants can take steps to keep aluminum at lower levels. Some studies have found that if a level of soluble silicone is maintained in public drinking water, it will protect people from aluminum in the water. The public can use water treatment devices in their homes to get rid of aluminum in the water. Reverse osmosis and distillation water treatment systems are effective. Water softeners and whole house water treatment systems remove aluminum from the water. You can also use under sink reverse osmosis units, or counter top filtration units attached to the faucet. You can also take food supplements like calcium, magnesium or iron to block aluminum absorption in your body. Aluminum in water is unnecessary for treatment.

Cadmium is a type of metal that is often found in natural deposits, including ores that contain other elements. It is commonly used for metal plating and coating, photography, and the creation of certain types of machinery. At times, there is cadmium in water supplies, which can have negative health side effects for those who drink it. Below is some basic information about cadmium and what can happen if it enters the water supply in dangerous amounts.

How Does Cadmium in Water Collect?

Cadmium can enter the drinking water in a number of ways. Primarily, it comes from waste released by large-scale metal-producing companies and enters into streams or runoff from landfills. Cadmium in water supplies also often comes from the corrosion of galvanized pipes. The pipes may have eroded and begin to allow this dangerous substance to seep into the water.

How Will Drinking Cadmium in Water Hurt You?

According to the EPA‘s guidelines for maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG), cadmium consumption becomes dangerous after it reaches 5 parts per billion (ppb). If more than this amount of cadmium in water is consumed, there can be some negative side effects including nausea and, with long-term exposure, kidney disease. Infants and young children are always at higher risk for becoming ill due to exposure to cadmium, so they should always receive properly filtered water for consumption.

How Can I Remove the Cadmium in Water?

The most common way to remove cadmium from the water is by using a water filtration system. These can be purchased at any home supply store, and will eliminate the dangerous toxins in your water supply. In order for these water filters to be effective, you must change the filters regularly. Also, consistently check the water delivery pipes for your home to make sure that they are not becoming eroded or cracked.

How Can I Detect the Cadmium in Water?

In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act in order to enforce measures that would ultimately lead to safe drinking water supplies. This requires that water service suppliers regularly check their sources for harmful toxins and to make their findings public. Tests are run each year to check the water supply for harmful elements, including cadmium. If you have any questions regarding the quality of the water supply for your home, contact your local water supplier to find out more information. They will be able to provide you copies of the yearly reports that you may examine to see what types of elements are in your water supply. Tests like these can help you eliminate the cadmium in water.

Lead is a heavy metal found in natural deposits and for many years it was used in homes for plumbing lines or water service lines. Today, it is widely known that lead exposure can be toxic, and at times corroded pipes may allow the entrance of lead in water, allowing lead to enter the tap water that many people drink every day. This can have many negative side effects, especially in children. It may also contribute to negative health effects for adults, including high blood pressure or kidney problems.

How Does Lead in Water Collect?

Lead can enter into drinking water in a number of ways. Primarily, lead enters through cracks in water service lines or plumbing. Many homes built before 1986 often have lead pipes that may also contribute to the amount of lead in a water supply. To avoid this, always have your plumbing lines checked regularly for leaks or cracks.

Lead in Water Risks

The health risks associated with lead in water are most dangerous for children, especially those under six years of age. Exposure to lead in water supplies can often cause mental deficits or a shorter attention span. Lead exposure may also cause miscarriages in women who are pregnant. For adults who have experienced prolonged exposure to lead poisoning, the side effects may include kidney damage or increased blood pressure, which may also cause heart disease or heart attack later in life.

Avoid Exposure to Lead in Water

According to the EPA, the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for lead in the water supply is zero. This means that there is no safe level to which people should be exposed to lead. However, lead does creep into the water supply from time to time, and there are a couple of precautions to take to avoid dangerous exposure to this substance. First of all, it is recommended to purchase a water filter for tap water locations in your home. Bottled water and other sources of purified water are also acceptable alternatives to drinking contaminated tap water. If you have young children, be sure that they drink only purified, clean water in order to avoid health risks.

Read Local Reports on Lead in Water

Local water companies are required to produce yearly reports on the water supplies and to provide them to consumers. One way to avoid drinking contaminated water is to read these reports regularly and to stay updated on any changes in the quality of local water supplies. If you have any questions about lead in water in supplies near you or possible contaminants to your tap water at home, contact your local provider.