Tap water is not as pure as you might think. Here are 6 reasons to filter your water.
PFAS is short for poly and perfluoroalkyl substances. One of these substances is PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1950’s for many products such as lubricants, non-stick coatings, food packaging and water-resistant textiles.
PFOS is a PFAS that is mainly used in aviation (it is a key ingredient in fire-resistant hydraulic fuel), and fire-fighting foams.
PFAS are widely used and do not degrade. They accumulate in the environment – which is why they are called “forever chemicals”. PFAS are found in the air, soil, and water sources across the globe. Levels of PFAS have been detected in municipal wastewater and drinking water samples worldwide.
PFAS have been linked to cancer, thyroid problems, increased cholesterol, and birth defects.
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is an organophosphorus compound used in agriculture to control weeds. Since it was first brought to market in 1974, there has been a 100-fold increase in its use, mainly due to the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds and the commercialisation of genetically modified crops (such as the Roundup Ready soybean).
When glyphosate is applied to crops, some of it seeps into the soil. It then gets into groundwater sources and surface water because of soil erosion and agricultural runoff.
Glyphosate has been classed as “probably carcinogenic in humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Studies show that glyphosate is neurotoxic and negatively impacts the immune system.
Uranium is a metal found naturally in the earth’s crust. It is used in the military sector to make weapons, and in the civilian sector to fuel nuclear power plants. Uranium decays into radon, a radioactive, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas.
Uranium is present in groundwater sources, particularly those in contact with crystalline rocks. Where uranium is present, so is radon. Water stored in rock or soil aquifers naturally contains some uranium, which decays into radon, and this ends up in our tap water.
Water sources close to nuclear plants and military laboratories are also likely to become contaminated with radioactive chemicals, including radon.
Uranium has toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, liver, and nervous system [ref: ]. Radon damages the lungs and has been linked with lung cancer .
Chlorine is a chemical used to make bleach, pesticides, rubber and solvents. It is also used as a disinfectant.
In many countries, chlorine is part of the water treatment process. Chlorine is added to raw water in order to kill pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) and algae, and make water safe to drink.
Chlorine can react to certain impurities in the water, creating by-products called trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes are carcinogens, and chlorinated water has been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Lead is a heavy metal that was commonly used in construction and plumbing, as well as paints, batteries, weights and lead gasoline (lead-containing diesel).
While its use began to be banned in the 1960’s, some lead still remains. For example, some older properties still have lead piping. In certain countries, some public water network pipes are still made of lead.
Lead is a known neurotoxin. It accumulates in the body and interferes with the body’s natural processes, causing behavioral problems, brain damage, and cardiovascular issues. It is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women.
Chemical residues are small amounts of chemicals that come from various sources, such as:
These chemicals are neurotoxic (chlorpyrifos, diazinon) and endocrine disrupting (plastics, certain pharmaceuticals). Worryingly, few studies have looked into the effects of long-term chronic exposure to the cocktail of chemicals in drinking water and in our environment.
Now more than ever, it is vital to make your health a priority. Water is an essential part of this. One of the pillars of a healthy body is adequate hydration, and that means drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of clean water, every day.
While there are water treatment processes in place, they often fall short of providing water that is completely free from harmful chemicals. If you want to make sure the water you drink is pure, it is important to use a high-quality filter.
ZeroWater removes 99% of lead, PFAS, glyphosate, chlorine, radon, and more. Take a look at our online shop and start purifying your tap water today.
