Summary
A significant
source of many toxic elements to which individuals are exposed may
be in drinking water. There are serious health problems associated
with naturally elevated arsenic levels in drinking water in
different parts of the world. Lead is another potentially serious
drinking water problem as lead can be introduced into drinking water
by old pipes in homes or by old plumbing systems bringing water to
houses. Additional metals regulated by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) include aluminum, antimony, barium, beryllium, cadmium,
chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium,
thallium, uranium and zinc. Fluoride is a controversial element
which can adversely affect health at relatively low concentrations.
pH is an important parameter to check because acidic water may cause
corrosion in water pipes and leach metals such as lead and copper
into the water you drink. To assure safe drinking water, you should
test your water for these elements.
Questions
and Answers
Question: Who
should have this test performed?
Answer:
Anyone concerned about their health and the water they drink; people
with well water or who reside in areas where problems with drinking
water have been reported; people with older homes or who live in
older communities.
Question:My
water is from a municipal water source. Should I test it?
Answer:
Municipalities are required to test their water and should be able
to provide you with an analysis. However, home plumbing systems may
contaminate the water after it leaves the municipal treatment
facility. Acidic water can leach metals from pipes after it leaves
the treatment plant.
Talk
to your health care provider about having a Comprehensive Drinking
Water Analysis today!
**Description
courtesy of Doctor’s Data Inc