|
WATER CONTAMINANTS
|
HEAVY METALS, CHEMICALS, BACTERIA & CYSTS CONTAMINATE DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES
1. VOC's and CHLORAMINE Compounds
What is MTBE?
MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) has been used since the late 1970’s as a Gasoline additive to reduce knocking in Engines when Lead was banned and removed from gasoline. It’s an organic chemical compound combining methanol and isobutylene. It is colorless and flammable, can disintegrate and evaporate into the air, and is classified as a Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC). MTBE is usually detected by a strong taste and odor that many people say resembles turpentine fumes.
MTBE is much more soluble in water than most other ingredients of gasoline allowing it to migrate faster and farther into the ground than other gasoline components. Gasoline spills, leaks in Gasoline storage tanks above and below ground, breaches in distribution pipelines, drips and leaks from automobiles, motorcycles, boats and other gas powered vehicles and equipment all contribute to MTBE constantly being dissolved and diluted into public and private water supplies when penetrating deep into the earths surface after heavy rainfall.
Since the late 1990’s, MTBE has been discovered in many community drinking water supplies all across the United States and many areas have finally begun to phase out MTBE use in gasoline because of groundwater contamination. Today MTBE is commonly replaced with ethanol.
MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) has been used since the late 1970’s as a Gasoline additive to reduce knocking in Engines when Lead was banned and removed from gasoline. It’s an organic chemical compound combining methanol and isobutylene. It is colorless and flammable, can disintegrate and evaporate into the air, and is classified as a Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC). MTBE is usually detected by a strong taste and odor that many people say resembles turpentine fumes.
MTBE is much more soluble in water than most other ingredients of gasoline allowing it to migrate faster and farther into the ground than other gasoline components. Gasoline spills, leaks in Gasoline storage tanks above and below ground, breaches in distribution pipelines, drips and leaks from automobiles, motorcycles, boats and other gas powered vehicles and equipment all contribute to MTBE constantly being dissolved and diluted into public and private water supplies when penetrating deep into the earths surface after heavy rainfall.
Since the late 1990’s, MTBE has been discovered in many community drinking water supplies all across the United States and many areas have finally begun to phase out MTBE use in gasoline because of groundwater contamination. Today MTBE is commonly replaced with ethanol.
What Is Xylene?
Xylene is a volatile and flammable hydrocarbon which is colorless and has a sweet odor. Xylene can be found naturally in petroleum, coal tar and wood tar. Xylene has been widely used in printing, leather and rubber industries, as a cleaning agent, a degreasing agent, a thinner for inks, adhesives, paints and varnishes, in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, and manufacturing of polyester clothing.
Xylene can also be found in pesticides. Xylene is categorized in Class III of hazardous substances. It is very dangerous to humans and animals. Some of the health effects of Xylene are breathing problems, loss of memory, slower reaction times, and neurological effects such as headaches, dizziness, lack of coordination, and confusion.
Xylene is a volatile and flammable hydrocarbon which is colorless and has a sweet odor. Xylene can be found naturally in petroleum, coal tar and wood tar. Xylene has been widely used in printing, leather and rubber industries, as a cleaning agent, a degreasing agent, a thinner for inks, adhesives, paints and varnishes, in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, and manufacturing of polyester clothing.
Xylene can also be found in pesticides. Xylene is categorized in Class III of hazardous substances. It is very dangerous to humans and animals. Some of the health effects of Xylene are breathing problems, loss of memory, slower reaction times, and neurological effects such as headaches, dizziness, lack of coordination, and confusion.
What is Toluene?
Toluene is a common ingredient in de-greasers and is naturally found in crude oil. It’s used in oil refining and the manufacturing of paints, lacquers, explosives, glues and as an octane booster in gasoline. It’s a colorless liquid with a sweet smell and taste. It is a benzene derivative. In homes, people are exposed to high levels of toluene in paint thinners, paint brush cleaners, nail polish, glues, inks and stain removers. Toluene is also found in car exhaust and cigarette smoke.
When toluene is spilled on the ground or improperly disposed of, it can seep into soil and contaminate private wells and water streams. Toluene has a long term residual effect in soil or water if it is not in contact with air. If home water supplies are contaminated, people may inhale the chemical while washing, bathing or using water for other household purposes. Toluene has also been used as a coolant in nuclear reactor system loops and the process of removing cocaine from coca leaves in the production of Coca-Cola syrup.
Toluene is a common ingredient in de-greasers and is naturally found in crude oil. It’s used in oil refining and the manufacturing of paints, lacquers, explosives, glues and as an octane booster in gasoline. It’s a colorless liquid with a sweet smell and taste. It is a benzene derivative. In homes, people are exposed to high levels of toluene in paint thinners, paint brush cleaners, nail polish, glues, inks and stain removers. Toluene is also found in car exhaust and cigarette smoke.
When toluene is spilled on the ground or improperly disposed of, it can seep into soil and contaminate private wells and water streams. Toluene has a long term residual effect in soil or water if it is not in contact with air. If home water supplies are contaminated, people may inhale the chemical while washing, bathing or using water for other household purposes. Toluene has also been used as a coolant in nuclear reactor system loops and the process of removing cocaine from coca leaves in the production of Coca-Cola syrup.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is an organic chemical compound. It has a sweet odor and is a colorless, flammable liquid. Benzene is a major industrial solvent and is used in the production of plastic, oil, synthetic rubber, degreasing metal, an octane booster in gasoline, dyes, and especially in Plastics Manufacturing.
Benzene is produced naturally during forest fires and volcanic eruptions. It is a carcinogen and a major component in cigarette smoke. Until World War II, benzene was manufactured as a by-product of coal production, mainly in the steel industry. However, the growing demand for benzene from the plastic’s industry perpetuated production from petroleum.
Vapors inhaled in a home from products that contain benzene are glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. Outdoor air may contain low levels of benzene vapors from gas stations, burning wood, tobacco smoke, gasoline fueling, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.
Benzene is an organic chemical compound. It has a sweet odor and is a colorless, flammable liquid. Benzene is a major industrial solvent and is used in the production of plastic, oil, synthetic rubber, degreasing metal, an octane booster in gasoline, dyes, and especially in Plastics Manufacturing.
Benzene is produced naturally during forest fires and volcanic eruptions. It is a carcinogen and a major component in cigarette smoke. Until World War II, benzene was manufactured as a by-product of coal production, mainly in the steel industry. However, the growing demand for benzene from the plastic’s industry perpetuated production from petroleum.
Vapors inhaled in a home from products that contain benzene are glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. Outdoor air may contain low levels of benzene vapors from gas stations, burning wood, tobacco smoke, gasoline fueling, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.
What is Perchlorate?
Perchlorate has been used for may years as an ingredient for Rocket and Missile fuel, FIREWORKS, highway safety flares, pyrotechnics, explosives, common batteries, and in the automotive industry. Perchlorate can also be present in bleach and in some fertilizers. It is a salt or ester of perchloric acid. It is naturally occurring and also a manmade contaminant. Perchlorate concerns are on the rise as it is increasingly found in groundwater, surface water and soil across the USA. Perchlorate contamination has been reported in at least 26 states. Most Perchlorates are Water Soluble, placing them in the Drinking Water Priority category.
Perchlorate greatly impacts human health by interfering with iodide uptake into the thyroid gland, thus disrupting the production of thyroid hormones that are critical to normal brain development and growth in fetus, infants, and children. In adults, the thyroid gland helps regulate the metabolism by releasing hormones. In an investigation in 2001, water supplies were detected with above normal levels of Perchlorate that supplied water to over 7 million Californians. In July 2010 the CEC released a list of Enfant Formulas that contain traces of Perchlorate. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/pdfs/Perchlorate_Table.pdf, and the contaminant list continues to multiply.
Perchlorate has been used for may years as an ingredient for Rocket and Missile fuel, FIREWORKS, highway safety flares, pyrotechnics, explosives, common batteries, and in the automotive industry. Perchlorate can also be present in bleach and in some fertilizers. It is a salt or ester of perchloric acid. It is naturally occurring and also a manmade contaminant. Perchlorate concerns are on the rise as it is increasingly found in groundwater, surface water and soil across the USA. Perchlorate contamination has been reported in at least 26 states. Most Perchlorates are Water Soluble, placing them in the Drinking Water Priority category.
Perchlorate greatly impacts human health by interfering with iodide uptake into the thyroid gland, thus disrupting the production of thyroid hormones that are critical to normal brain development and growth in fetus, infants, and children. In adults, the thyroid gland helps regulate the metabolism by releasing hormones. In an investigation in 2001, water supplies were detected with above normal levels of Perchlorate that supplied water to over 7 million Californians. In July 2010 the CEC released a list of Enfant Formulas that contain traces of Perchlorate. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/pdfs/Perchlorate_Table.pdf, and the contaminant list continues to multiply.
What are Chloramines?
Chloramines are among the most common disinfectants used to treat drinking water. Chloramines combine Ammonia and Chlorine to create a longer lasting oxidizer for bacteria disinfection than just traditional Chlorine by itself. Like VOC’s, Chloramines are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the supply. Chloramine disinfection is known as secondary disinfection. Chloramines and have been used by municipalities for almost 90 years, and their use is stringently regulated. More than one in five Americans uses drinking water treated with chloramines.
Chloramines exist as three different forms: monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3). Because they are chemically related and easily converted into each other, they are more appropriately called chloramines as a group instead of isolating one from the other. These three forms of chloramine constantly change form from one form to another. The form that predominates the three forms is dependent on pH, temperature, turbulence, and the chlorine to ammonia ratio.
What are the side effects of Chloramines?
Chloramines do not dissipate easily compared to chlorine. Chloramines remain in water supplies and distribution systems longer than chlorine. Chloramines are very difficult to remove and require extensive carbon filtration and a reverse osmosis filtration system, or a Cation filtering system to remove both the chlorine and ammonia from the supply water. Chloramines cannot be removed by boiling, distilling, or allowing water to stand uncovered for long periods of time. Some disinfection byproducts of chloramines are even more toxic than those of chlorine. Chloramine vapors and its byproducts can accumulate and concentrate in poorly ventilated indoor areas such as a shower stall, small bathroom, kitchen, or apartment.
What are the Health Risks associated with Chloramine disinfectant?
Chloramines cannot kill pathogens in water supplies as well as chlorine. As a result, people with suppressed immune systems must boil their water for over TEN minutes BEFORE consuming the water to insure pathogens are no longer present, or they risk becoming ill. Children under 6 months of age, the elderly, those who have had chemotherapy, people with HIV or AIDS, organ transplant patients, and others with a weakened immune system are also at great health risks when consuming water where Chloramines has been employed.
Chloramines can aggravate and actually cause respiratory problems. Chloramine fumes can cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. Chloramines damage mucous membranes. The lung damage in people exposed to chloramines in enclosed pool air is similar to that in people who smoke cigarettes. Chloramine vapor from showers, baths, hot tubs, dishwashers, and other household appliances contains volatile chemicals that can be inhaled and cause irritation to the entire respiratory system.
Chloramines can also aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Chloramines can cause bleeding lips, dry mouth and a dry throat. Chloramines can cause burning, red, irritated dry eyes. Skin exposure to the Ammonia in Chloramines breaks down cell structural proteins, extracts water from the cells, and initiates an inflammatory response which further damages surrounding cell tissues. Kidney dialysis patients cannot use water containing Chloramines in their dialysis machines because it will cause hemolytic anemia which could be fatal to the patient.
Chloramines are among the most common disinfectants used to treat drinking water. Chloramines combine Ammonia and Chlorine to create a longer lasting oxidizer for bacteria disinfection than just traditional Chlorine by itself. Like VOC’s, Chloramines are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the supply. Chloramine disinfection is known as secondary disinfection. Chloramines and have been used by municipalities for almost 90 years, and their use is stringently regulated. More than one in five Americans uses drinking water treated with chloramines.
Chloramines exist as three different forms: monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3). Because they are chemically related and easily converted into each other, they are more appropriately called chloramines as a group instead of isolating one from the other. These three forms of chloramine constantly change form from one form to another. The form that predominates the three forms is dependent on pH, temperature, turbulence, and the chlorine to ammonia ratio.
What are the side effects of Chloramines?
Chloramines do not dissipate easily compared to chlorine. Chloramines remain in water supplies and distribution systems longer than chlorine. Chloramines are very difficult to remove and require extensive carbon filtration and a reverse osmosis filtration system, or a Cation filtering system to remove both the chlorine and ammonia from the supply water. Chloramines cannot be removed by boiling, distilling, or allowing water to stand uncovered for long periods of time. Some disinfection byproducts of chloramines are even more toxic than those of chlorine. Chloramine vapors and its byproducts can accumulate and concentrate in poorly ventilated indoor areas such as a shower stall, small bathroom, kitchen, or apartment.
What are the Health Risks associated with Chloramine disinfectant?
Chloramines cannot kill pathogens in water supplies as well as chlorine. As a result, people with suppressed immune systems must boil their water for over TEN minutes BEFORE consuming the water to insure pathogens are no longer present, or they risk becoming ill. Children under 6 months of age, the elderly, those who have had chemotherapy, people with HIV or AIDS, organ transplant patients, and others with a weakened immune system are also at great health risks when consuming water where Chloramines has been employed.
Chloramines can aggravate and actually cause respiratory problems. Chloramine fumes can cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. Chloramines damage mucous membranes. The lung damage in people exposed to chloramines in enclosed pool air is similar to that in people who smoke cigarettes. Chloramine vapor from showers, baths, hot tubs, dishwashers, and other household appliances contains volatile chemicals that can be inhaled and cause irritation to the entire respiratory system.
Chloramines can also aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Chloramines can cause bleeding lips, dry mouth and a dry throat. Chloramines can cause burning, red, irritated dry eyes. Skin exposure to the Ammonia in Chloramines breaks down cell structural proteins, extracts water from the cells, and initiates an inflammatory response which further damages surrounding cell tissues. Kidney dialysis patients cannot use water containing Chloramines in their dialysis machines because it will cause hemolytic anemia which could be fatal to the patient.
2. CYSTS and BACTERIA
What Is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Cryptosporidium is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne diseases among humans in the United States. Like other Bacteria and Cysts, Cryptosporidium is a germ found in the fecal matter of a human or animal that causes severe diarrhea and flu type symptoms. It has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive for a long time in the environment. It is resistive to Chlorine and can survive for days even in water suppliers that have been properly chlorinated. The disease caused by the germ is called cryptosporidiosis. The germ is found in every part of the United States and around the world.
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
An infected person or animal can release Millions of Crypto germs in a single bowel movement. Releasing or Shedding of Crypto germs into the feces can last for weeks after the symptoms stop. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. Cryptosporidium may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Crypto is not spread by contact with blood such as the AIDS virus and other pathogens.
Cryptosporidium is transmitted by a person putting something in his or her mouth that was contaminated with infected feces. This includes surfaces infected with Crypto such as bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys that contain feces from an infected person or animal. Also by drinking water or consuming ice made from water sources where Crypto is inhabiting, or swallowing water while swimming or playing in water where Crypto may live, especially in swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. Also by eating uncooked food that contains Crypto germs, and having contact with someone who is ill with Cryptosporidium while changing diapers, clothes, or sheets, and by exposure to human feces through sexual contact.
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Cryptosporidium is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne diseases among humans in the United States. Like other Bacteria and Cysts, Cryptosporidium is a germ found in the fecal matter of a human or animal that causes severe diarrhea and flu type symptoms. It has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive for a long time in the environment. It is resistive to Chlorine and can survive for days even in water suppliers that have been properly chlorinated. The disease caused by the germ is called cryptosporidiosis. The germ is found in every part of the United States and around the world.
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
An infected person or animal can release Millions of Crypto germs in a single bowel movement. Releasing or Shedding of Crypto germs into the feces can last for weeks after the symptoms stop. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. Cryptosporidium may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Crypto is not spread by contact with blood such as the AIDS virus and other pathogens.
Cryptosporidium is transmitted by a person putting something in his or her mouth that was contaminated with infected feces. This includes surfaces infected with Crypto such as bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys that contain feces from an infected person or animal. Also by drinking water or consuming ice made from water sources where Crypto is inhabiting, or swallowing water while swimming or playing in water where Crypto may live, especially in swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. Also by eating uncooked food that contains Crypto germs, and having contact with someone who is ill with Cryptosporidium while changing diapers, clothes, or sheets, and by exposure to human feces through sexual contact.
What Is Giardia?
Giardiasis is a disease caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia. Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestines of its host and is passed in feces during bowel movements. Once outside the hosts body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or months. Giardia can be found virtually anywhere in the U.S. and multiple regions around the world. Giardia is very common in rural water (private wells) where the homeowner or care taker does not sanitize the water at all or improperly.
How Is Giardia Spread?
Giardia is transmitted by a person putting something in his or her mouth that was contaminated with infected feces. This includes surfaces infected with Giardia such as bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys that contain feces from an infected person or animal. Also by drinking water or consuming ice made from water sources where Giardia is inhabiting, or swallowing water while swimming or playing in water where Giardia may live, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. And by eating uncooked food that contains Giardia parasites, and having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis.
Anything that comes into contact with feces from infected humans or animals can become contaminated with the Giardia parasite. It is not possible to become infected through contact with blood such as the AIDS virus and other pathogens.
Giardiasis is a disease caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia. Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestines of its host and is passed in feces during bowel movements. Once outside the hosts body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or months. Giardia can be found virtually anywhere in the U.S. and multiple regions around the world. Giardia is very common in rural water (private wells) where the homeowner or care taker does not sanitize the water at all or improperly.
How Is Giardia Spread?
Giardia is transmitted by a person putting something in his or her mouth that was contaminated with infected feces. This includes surfaces infected with Giardia such as bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys that contain feces from an infected person or animal. Also by drinking water or consuming ice made from water sources where Giardia is inhabiting, or swallowing water while swimming or playing in water where Giardia may live, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. And by eating uncooked food that contains Giardia parasites, and having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis.
Anything that comes into contact with feces from infected humans or animals can become contaminated with the Giardia parasite. It is not possible to become infected through contact with blood such as the AIDS virus and other pathogens.
What Is E.coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria that commonly live in the intestines of people and animals, can survive in an environment with or without air, and depending on the environment may or may not produce thin hair-like structures that allow the E. Coli to attach to human cells. E. Coli bacteria are found worldwide and there are many strains with over 700 distinct variations.
Most E. coli reside in the small intestine and colon and do not cause disease in the intestine, a non-pathogenic classification. However, the non-pathogenic E. coli can cause disease if they spread outside of the intestines such as the urinary tract where they cause bladder or kidney infections, or into the blood stream. Other E. coli strains like EEC cause poisoning or diarrhea in the intestine by producing toxins or intestinal inflammation.
How is E.coli spread?
You get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces of humans or animals. This can happen when you drink water or eat food that has been contaminated by feces. Lakes, pools, and water supplies are commonly infected with feces containing E. Coli when the contaminated city or municipal water supply has not been properly treated with chlorine, or when people accidentally swallow water while swimming in a lake, pool, or irrigation canal.
The bacteria can also spread from one person to another when an infected person does not wash their hands well enough after a bowel movement. E. coli can spread from an infected person's hands to objects they touch, handle, or embrace.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria that commonly live in the intestines of people and animals, can survive in an environment with or without air, and depending on the environment may or may not produce thin hair-like structures that allow the E. Coli to attach to human cells. E. Coli bacteria are found worldwide and there are many strains with over 700 distinct variations.
Most E. coli reside in the small intestine and colon and do not cause disease in the intestine, a non-pathogenic classification. However, the non-pathogenic E. coli can cause disease if they spread outside of the intestines such as the urinary tract where they cause bladder or kidney infections, or into the blood stream. Other E. coli strains like EEC cause poisoning or diarrhea in the intestine by producing toxins or intestinal inflammation.
How is E.coli spread?
You get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces of humans or animals. This can happen when you drink water or eat food that has been contaminated by feces. Lakes, pools, and water supplies are commonly infected with feces containing E. Coli when the contaminated city or municipal water supply has not been properly treated with chlorine, or when people accidentally swallow water while swimming in a lake, pool, or irrigation canal.
The bacteria can also spread from one person to another when an infected person does not wash their hands well enough after a bowel movement. E. coli can spread from an infected person's hands to objects they touch, handle, or embrace.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite composed of a single cell that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. The Cyclospora parasite is transmitted to persons who contact objects contaminated with infected feces. In 1997, reports of Cyclospora outbreaks were primarily associated with the consumption of fresh fruits such as strawberries and raspberries.
How is Cyclospora spread?
Cyclospora is transmitted by a person putting something in his or her mouth that was contaminated with infected feces. This allows the wide spread distribution of the parasite to be transmitted by swallowing contaminated water or food. Cyclospora needs days and sometimes weeks after being passed in a bowel movement to develop into an infectious parasite. Therefore, transmission of Cyclospora directly from an infected person to an uninfected person is minimized and more unlikely to occur.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite composed of a single cell that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. The Cyclospora parasite is transmitted to persons who contact objects contaminated with infected feces. In 1997, reports of Cyclospora outbreaks were primarily associated with the consumption of fresh fruits such as strawberries and raspberries.
How is Cyclospora spread?
Cyclospora is transmitted by a person putting something in his or her mouth that was contaminated with infected feces. This allows the wide spread distribution of the parasite to be transmitted by swallowing contaminated water or food. Cyclospora needs days and sometimes weeks after being passed in a bowel movement to develop into an infectious parasite. Therefore, transmission of Cyclospora directly from an infected person to an uninfected person is minimized and more unlikely to occur.
What Is Legionella?
Legionnaires' disease (LEE-juh-nares) is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. This bacteria is a type of pneumonia that got its name in 1976 when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from an outbreak of this disease. Although Legionella bacteria was discovered before 1976, more illness from Legionnaires' disease is being diagnosed now because people with pneumonia are also being tested for Legionella. Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S.A. More illness is usually found in the summer and early fall, but it can happen any time of year.
How is Legionella spread?
Legionella bacteria are usually found in water and also in the environment. Legionella grows best in warm water such as hot tubs, Jacuzzis, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of large air-conditioning systems. People get Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with the bacteria, such as steam from a whirlpool spa that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected. The bacteria are NOT spread from one person to another person.
Potential Legionella outbreaks are more likely when two or more people become ill in the same place at the same time, such as patients in hospitals. Hospitals have complex water systems, and many people in hospitals already have illnesses that increase their risk for Legionella infection. Other Legionella outbreaks have been linked to cruise ships hotels, whirlpool spas, cooling towers, and water used for drinking and bathing.
Legionnaires' disease (LEE-juh-nares) is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. This bacteria is a type of pneumonia that got its name in 1976 when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from an outbreak of this disease. Although Legionella bacteria was discovered before 1976, more illness from Legionnaires' disease is being diagnosed now because people with pneumonia are also being tested for Legionella. Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S.A. More illness is usually found in the summer and early fall, but it can happen any time of year.
How is Legionella spread?
Legionella bacteria are usually found in water and also in the environment. Legionella grows best in warm water such as hot tubs, Jacuzzis, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of large air-conditioning systems. People get Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with the bacteria, such as steam from a whirlpool spa that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected. The bacteria are NOT spread from one person to another person.
Potential Legionella outbreaks are more likely when two or more people become ill in the same place at the same time, such as patients in hospitals. Hospitals have complex water systems, and many people in hospitals already have illnesses that increase their risk for Legionella infection. Other Legionella outbreaks have been linked to cruise ships hotels, whirlpool spas, cooling towers, and water used for drinking and bathing.
3. WHAT ARE VOC's
What Are VOC’s?
VOC’s are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the tainted source.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC’s) are carbon-containing compounds that evaporate easily from water into air at normal air temperatures. Many VOC’s are also extremely water soluble creating a bigger concern for groundwater contamination when diluted and trapped. Nationwide acceptance and production of VOC’s evolved shortly after WWII when the Petroleum/Plastics revolution spawned a new generation of manufactured goods for convenience and price point. Examples of VOC’s are mentioned above such as MTBE, Perchlorate, Toluene, Xylene, and Benzene. VOC’s contribute to the distinctive odor of gasoline and many solvents. VOC’s are contained in a wide variety of commercial, industrial and residential products including fuel oils, gasoline, anti-freeze, solvents, cleaners, de-greasers, paints, inks, dyes, refrigerants and pesticides. People are most commonly exposed to VOC’s through the air, in food, through skin contact, and from tainted water supplies.
How do VOC’s get into Drinking Water?
Most VOC’s found in the environment are a result of human carelessness. When VOC’s are spilled accidentally or purposely, or seep out of an improperly sealed container, a percentage evaporates into the air, but some soak into the ground. When saturated in the top layer of soil VOC’s penetrate deeper into the ground with each rainfall, irrigation, or snow melting, eventually reaching the groundwater table. When VOC’s migrate underground to nearby wells, they can eventually end up in drinking water supplies.
When VOC’s are accidentally spilled into public and rural water supplies from negligence or fluke events, or purposely dumped into sewer and drain water, the threat and risk of exposure to VOC contamination is exponentially increased. Due to non-enforced regulations, negligence, and in some instances malicious intent, VOC tainting has migrated into thousands of water supplies across the USA during the past 50 years of Commercial and Industrial manufacturing.
What Factors contribute to VOC contamination of Well Water?
The location of the well water supply in the proximity of the actual source of contamination is a vital factor to consider why well water (ground water) becomes tainted with VOC’s. Many wells contaminated with VOC’s are located near septic tanks, industrial or commercial areas, gas stations, and landfills. The amount of VOC’s dumped or spilled into the ground also determines the level of contamination. Smaller, more localized spills do not have the same impact on water quality as large, long term spills or leakage from underground tanks or industrial spills that can migrate over a much larger geographical area and increase VOC level percentage.
Shallow wells are often affected quicker and more severely than deeper wells when contaminants have been spilled on the ground soil surface. Well water covered by more porous soil or sandy soil are most vulnerable to VOC contamination when compared with denser, thick layered soils that may slow down the penetration of contaminants and may help to absorb the VOC’s before reaching the groundwater. Groundwater typically moves very slow and a spill may take years to reach nearby wells, so wells may not be contaminated until months or years after a spill is discovered.
What are the Health Risks associated with VOC Contamination?
VOC’s vary considerably in their toxicity and their impact on the environment. VOC’s are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the tainted source. Researchers have compiled an extensive amount of data about the health effects of VOC’s from animal studies, and from studies of human exposures to large quantities of chemicals in multiple environments.
VOC’s at high levels may be harmful to the central nervous system, the kidneys or the liver. Immediate symptoms of VOC exposure are: vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, memory impairment, nausea, and fatigue. At high level contamination possible damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system can occur, and at extremely high level exposure a possibility of leukemia, lymphoma and even death may occur.
VOC’s are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the tainted source.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC’s) are carbon-containing compounds that evaporate easily from water into air at normal air temperatures. Many VOC’s are also extremely water soluble creating a bigger concern for groundwater contamination when diluted and trapped. Nationwide acceptance and production of VOC’s evolved shortly after WWII when the Petroleum/Plastics revolution spawned a new generation of manufactured goods for convenience and price point. Examples of VOC’s are mentioned above such as MTBE, Perchlorate, Toluene, Xylene, and Benzene. VOC’s contribute to the distinctive odor of gasoline and many solvents. VOC’s are contained in a wide variety of commercial, industrial and residential products including fuel oils, gasoline, anti-freeze, solvents, cleaners, de-greasers, paints, inks, dyes, refrigerants and pesticides. People are most commonly exposed to VOC’s through the air, in food, through skin contact, and from tainted water supplies.
How do VOC’s get into Drinking Water?
Most VOC’s found in the environment are a result of human carelessness. When VOC’s are spilled accidentally or purposely, or seep out of an improperly sealed container, a percentage evaporates into the air, but some soak into the ground. When saturated in the top layer of soil VOC’s penetrate deeper into the ground with each rainfall, irrigation, or snow melting, eventually reaching the groundwater table. When VOC’s migrate underground to nearby wells, they can eventually end up in drinking water supplies.
When VOC’s are accidentally spilled into public and rural water supplies from negligence or fluke events, or purposely dumped into sewer and drain water, the threat and risk of exposure to VOC contamination is exponentially increased. Due to non-enforced regulations, negligence, and in some instances malicious intent, VOC tainting has migrated into thousands of water supplies across the USA during the past 50 years of Commercial and Industrial manufacturing.
What Factors contribute to VOC contamination of Well Water?
The location of the well water supply in the proximity of the actual source of contamination is a vital factor to consider why well water (ground water) becomes tainted with VOC’s. Many wells contaminated with VOC’s are located near septic tanks, industrial or commercial areas, gas stations, and landfills. The amount of VOC’s dumped or spilled into the ground also determines the level of contamination. Smaller, more localized spills do not have the same impact on water quality as large, long term spills or leakage from underground tanks or industrial spills that can migrate over a much larger geographical area and increase VOC level percentage.
Shallow wells are often affected quicker and more severely than deeper wells when contaminants have been spilled on the ground soil surface. Well water covered by more porous soil or sandy soil are most vulnerable to VOC contamination when compared with denser, thick layered soils that may slow down the penetration of contaminants and may help to absorb the VOC’s before reaching the groundwater. Groundwater typically moves very slow and a spill may take years to reach nearby wells, so wells may not be contaminated until months or years after a spill is discovered.
What are the Health Risks associated with VOC Contamination?
VOC’s vary considerably in their toxicity and their impact on the environment. VOC’s are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the tainted source. Researchers have compiled an extensive amount of data about the health effects of VOC’s from animal studies, and from studies of human exposures to large quantities of chemicals in multiple environments.
VOC’s at high levels may be harmful to the central nervous system, the kidneys or the liver. Immediate symptoms of VOC exposure are: vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, memory impairment, nausea, and fatigue. At high level contamination possible damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system can occur, and at extremely high level exposure a possibility of leukemia, lymphoma and even death may occur.
4. WHAT ARE CHLORAMINES
What are Chloramines?
Chloramines are among the most common disinfectants used to treat drinking water. Chloramines combine Ammonia and Chlorine to create a longer lasting oxidizer for bacteria disinfection than just traditional Chlorine by itself. Like VOC’s, Chloramines are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the supply. Chloramine disinfection is known as secondary disinfection. Chloramines and have been used by municipalities for almost 90 years, and their use is stringently regulated. More than one in five Americans uses drinking water treated with chloramines.
Chloramines exist as three different forms: monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3). Because they are chemically related and easily converted into each other, they are more appropriately called chloramines as a group instead of isolating one from the other. These three forms of chloramine constantly change form from one form to another. The form that predominates the three forms is dependent on pH, temperature, turbulence, and the chlorine to ammonia ratio.
What are the side effects of Chloramines?
Chloramines do not dissipate easily compared to chlorine. Chloramines remain in water supplies and distribution systems longer than chlorine. Chloramines are very difficult to remove and require extensive carbon filtration and a reverse osmosis filtration system, or a Cation filtering system to remove both the chlorine and ammonia from the supply water. Chloramines cannot be removed by boiling, distilling, or allowing water to stand uncovered for long periods of time. Some disinfection byproducts of chloramines are even more toxic than those of chlorine. Chloramine vapors and its byproducts can accumulate and concentrate in poorly ventilated indoor areas such as a shower stall, small bathroom, kitchen, or apartment.
What are the Health Risks associated with Chloramine disinfectant?
Chloramines cannot kill pathogens in water supplies as well as chlorine. As a result, people with suppressed immune systems must boil their water for over TEN minutes BEFORE consuming the water to insure pathogens are no longer present, or they risk becoming ill. Children under 6 months of age, the elderly, those who have had chemotherapy, people with HIV or AIDS, organ transplant patients, and others with a weakened immune system are also at great health risks when consuming water where Chloramines has been employed.
Chloramines can aggravate and actually cause respiratory problems. Chloramine fumes can cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. Chloramines damage mucous membranes. The lung damage in people exposed to chloramines in enclosed pool air is similar to that in people who smoke cigarettes. Chloramine vapor from showers, baths, hot tubs, dishwashers, and other household appliances contains volatile chemicals that can be inhaled and cause irritation to the entire respiratory system.
Chloramines can also aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Chloramines can cause bleeding lips, dry mouth and a dry throat. Chloramines can cause burning, red, irritated dry eyes. Skin exposure to the Ammonia in Chloramines breaks down cell structural proteins, extracts water from the cells, and initiates an inflammatory response which further damages surrounding cell tissues. Kidney dialysis patients cannot use water containing Chloramines in their dialysis machines because it will cause hemolytic anemia which could be fatal to the patient.
Chloramines are among the most common disinfectants used to treat drinking water. Chloramines combine Ammonia and Chlorine to create a longer lasting oxidizer for bacteria disinfection than just traditional Chlorine by itself. Like VOC’s, Chloramines are some of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water supplies requiring Special and “Unique” Filter Cartridges to extract them from the supply. Chloramine disinfection is known as secondary disinfection. Chloramines and have been used by municipalities for almost 90 years, and their use is stringently regulated. More than one in five Americans uses drinking water treated with chloramines.
Chloramines exist as three different forms: monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3). Because they are chemically related and easily converted into each other, they are more appropriately called chloramines as a group instead of isolating one from the other. These three forms of chloramine constantly change form from one form to another. The form that predominates the three forms is dependent on pH, temperature, turbulence, and the chlorine to ammonia ratio.
What are the side effects of Chloramines?
Chloramines do not dissipate easily compared to chlorine. Chloramines remain in water supplies and distribution systems longer than chlorine. Chloramines are very difficult to remove and require extensive carbon filtration and a reverse osmosis filtration system, or a Cation filtering system to remove both the chlorine and ammonia from the supply water. Chloramines cannot be removed by boiling, distilling, or allowing water to stand uncovered for long periods of time. Some disinfection byproducts of chloramines are even more toxic than those of chlorine. Chloramine vapors and its byproducts can accumulate and concentrate in poorly ventilated indoor areas such as a shower stall, small bathroom, kitchen, or apartment.
What are the Health Risks associated with Chloramine disinfectant?
Chloramines cannot kill pathogens in water supplies as well as chlorine. As a result, people with suppressed immune systems must boil their water for over TEN minutes BEFORE consuming the water to insure pathogens are no longer present, or they risk becoming ill. Children under 6 months of age, the elderly, those who have had chemotherapy, people with HIV or AIDS, organ transplant patients, and others with a weakened immune system are also at great health risks when consuming water where Chloramines has been employed.
Chloramines can aggravate and actually cause respiratory problems. Chloramine fumes can cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. Chloramines damage mucous membranes. The lung damage in people exposed to chloramines in enclosed pool air is similar to that in people who smoke cigarettes. Chloramine vapor from showers, baths, hot tubs, dishwashers, and other household appliances contains volatile chemicals that can be inhaled and cause irritation to the entire respiratory system.
Chloramines can also aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Chloramines can cause bleeding lips, dry mouth and a dry throat. Chloramines can cause burning, red, irritated dry eyes. Skin exposure to the Ammonia in Chloramines breaks down cell structural proteins, extracts water from the cells, and initiates an inflammatory response which further damages surrounding cell tissues. Kidney dialysis patients cannot use water containing Chloramines in their dialysis machines because it will cause hemolytic anemia which could be fatal to the patient.
SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES: SMOG, ACID RAIN, OIL SPILLS, GAS LEAKS, MANUFACTURING, CITY DUMPS, PESTICIDES, MOLD, ETC.
