Water Plagued With Aluminum Poses Health Risks
Studies show that drinking water is good for your health, but what many people fail to differentiate is that safe drinking water is good for your health. Tap water can be plagued by toxins, contaminants, and other minerals which could actually pose health risks when drunk in large quantities and for long periods of time. And, because we live in a prosperous, healthy nation, we make assumptions that our drinking water is safe and clean. Therefore, many people go long periods of time without ever knowing if their water is dangerous or not. Likewise, people don’t know the risks or the products out there that can keep your family safe.
Aluminum is one of those unwanted contaminants found in drinking water all over the United States. It is a soft, lightweight, durable, silvery-white metal and a member of the boron group of chemical elements. It is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, and is highly reactive and known for its low density and ability to resist corrosion, which is why it is frequently used with housing, automobiles, cans, and other items. It can also lead to deposits in cooling systems and contributes to boiler scales.
The element itself can cause health effects, and is often brought into our bodies through our drinking water. In large amounts, it presents some toxic effects, and its toxicity can be traced to deposits in bones and the central nervous system. Aluminum has also been suspected of playing a role in Alzheimer’s disease, where victims had four times the amount of aluminum in their brain cells. This is a serious risk, yet more studies are currently being done to find specific links between the two and to expand on the health effects.
Based on these serious risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking at making a determination on whether or not aluminum requires a national drinking water regulation, and it on the “contaminant candidates” list. Recommended regulations have been put in place, but residents should be advised that even with these real risks do not come the standards. The only standards for your family’s safety at this time come from your own household. To stay safe, there are many drinking water systems that can provide even the most demanding household or business enough water at an affordable cost. Newer drinking water systems range from water filtration systems to water coolers. Each will provide healthy drinking water. Unsure of your tap water quality? Be sure of your drinking water. To read more about the risks of aluminum, click here.
