Lately, I complain about three things: the taste of tap water where I live, the money I spend on bottled water and the amount of unnecessary plastic bottles, I'm going through.
to reduce costs and waste, my girlfriend and I decided to buy a water bottle with a filter. We thought it would improve the taste of tap water, and we could probably save money in the long term -. And clean drinking water
During the reading of the list of insecticides, chemicals and other hazardous substances removed from tap water by filtering a popular brand of bottled water, it I was surprised to see asbestos in this list of impurities.
Asbestos is a natural mineral known to cause serious diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos lung cancer, among other diseases. Doctors diagnose about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year.
My stepfather, Jeff Wahl, died of mesothelioma in October 2011 after battling cancer for seven months. Learn that asbestos tap water content me angry because for a moment I thought, "Could tap water contributed to his diagnosis?"
After some research, federal regulators have determined the minimum amount in drinking water probably didn 't lead to a diagnosis, but I still learned surprised me.
traces of asbestos in our drinking water
industrialized countries used asbestos heavily between 1930 and 1970, mainly in the construction of new homes and buildings. The US military has used the mineral in the construction of its ships, too. The toxic substance was also found in insulation, ceiling tiles and flooring and other products used near people.
But tap water? How could it be?
The US Agency for Environmental Protection shows asbestos was used in the cement pipes that distribute water to communities across the country.
As our water pipes decay and natural deposits erode over time, they release asbestos fibers in drinking water. In addition to causing mesothelioma, EPA shows the long-term exposure to asbestos above the maximum contaminant level of 7 million fibers per liter (MFL) may also increase the risk of developing benign intestinal polyps .
Congress in 1974 passed the Safe Drinking Water Act requires the regulation of drinking water. The EPA is the authority that regulates and monitors our water for hazardous impurities. In 1992, EPA officials said the asbestos in the list of 0 contaminants often found in our water.
water treatment plants remove asbestos from drinking water using coagulation / filtration, direct filtration and diatomite and corrosion control, emissions from the EPA.
A 03 report by World Health Organization using data updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "asbestos in drinking water," says that "most of the population US consumption of drinking water containing asbestos in concentrations below 1 MFL. "This is well below EPA standards and would probably not cause health problems.
In the case of asbestos levels have risen above the maximum allowed, water providers would be required to notify customers within 30 days after the violation is found.
If you're curious about what's in your drinking water, contact your water supplier for annual reports of water quality. EPA also publishes reports on violations of drinking water.
The importance of water
I urge you to drink about a gallon of water a day, especially if you are drinking exercise. This amount ensures you will not become dehydrated or experience side effects of dehydration.
I also understand that amount may not be realistic for some people undergoing treatment for mesothelioma. I remember Jeff being so sick sometimes it ?? couldn t swallow anything -. Even water
But it is always important to stay hydrated. Signs of dehydration include headaches, tiredness or muscle spasms. These can also intensify the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Dehydration also has a negative effect on your workouts if you ?? re fight against mesothelioma or play the role of a caregiver. I always encourage my clients to never ask for water instead of drink as they feel necessary.
After all I learned about asbestos in drinking water, regardless of minute traces, I recommend to drink filtered water from a sealed water bottle, filtered tap or a filtered pitcher.
You should drink the best water quality.
Drink and remember to never give up.
