Water in California

News and info about California's water

Skip to: Content | Sidebar | Footer

Facebook Facebook

Did You Know Your Drinking Water Could Be Hampering Your Thyroid?

10 October, 2010 (18:51) | Drinking Water System | By: admin

When we are thirsty we simply get a glass of water, drink it down and feel better by doing so. However, recently the Environmental Protection Agency is becoming concerned about a chemical called Perchlorate. This chemical has been found contaminating drinking water in at least 20 states, yours could be included.

The main concern surrounding perchlorate is the fact that it interferes with the iodide uptake into the thyroid gland. They thyroid gland in adults helps to regulate metabolism by releasing hormones. In fetuses and children it is even more important because the thyroid hormones are critical for normal growth and development of the central nervous system. Obviously having any drinking water source contaminated with this particular chemical would possibly have far reaching and long lasting effects. The upside to this contamination is that once the exposure is removed so are the effects on the body.

Perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and manmade contaminant that is being found more and more in ground water, surface water and soil. Most perchlorate that is manufactured in the U.S. is used as an ingredient in solid fuel for rockets and missiles. In addition, perchlorate-based chemicals are also found in the construction of highway safety flares, fireworks, pyrotechnics, explosives, common batteries, and automobile restraint systems. As common as some of these products are, it is not surprising that the chemical has been detected in drinking water supplies of over 11 million people.

While the government is considering altering the acceptable limits of this contaminant, ultimately it is up to each household to provide our own safe water to drink. Public water treatment systems can only do so much and we can’t rely on them to deliver completely clean, safe water to our home tap. There are many economical, budget friendly, home water treatment systems available today. With a little research and perhaps a simple water test, your home can be fitted with an under-sink RO System or a convenient water cooler that would virtually guarantee good, clean, safe drinking water for your family every single day. Your family is worth it, your health is worth it.