Contamination of drinking water with heavy metals is a real health issue and is receiving the attention it deserves. Drinking water safety is a major focus of state and federal environmental protection agencies. Research and investigations continue to discover the many ways harmful heavy metals enter our drinking water supply. Adults, children and pets are exposed to trace amounts of heavy metals through water, food and air.It’s very important to understand the facts about heavy metals, health effects and what you can do about minimizing exposure to you, your family and pets.
What are heavy metals? Heavy metals are a classification of metallic elements that can become toxic in very small amounts. Copper is considered an essential trace nutrient in the right concentration. But in higher levels copper is considered a toxic heavy metal. We need copper and other metals to live, but too much exposure will harm us. Other metals, like cadmium and arsenic, serve no purpose in our bodies and are toxic at any level. Below is a list of the most common heavy metals. Some are essential trace elements at the right level. Others are always poisonous and potential carcinogens. • Zinc • Copper • Chromium • Iron • Cobalt • Manganese • Nickel • Cadmium • Lead • Lithium • Arsenic • Mercury How do Heavy metals get into drinking water? Heavy metals can enter the water supply through several routes. Industrial dumping and landfill waste from over 30 years ago can gradually seep into groundwater supplies. Agricultural use of pesticides containing mercury has been banned but the effects on the environment are long-lasting. There are also natural sources like acidic rain breaking down soils and releasing heavy metals into streams, lakes, rivers and groundwater.The sources of heavy metals in your drinking water may be right in your own home! Lead water pipes, lead solder, copper piping and plumbing fixtures are all sources of heavy metals. Understanding the health effects of heavy metal exposure The negative effects of heavy metal exposure vary depending on the metal, exposure level and the age and physical condition of the person. Children, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are especially vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity. Some of the effects include: • Nausea and vomiting • Live, lung and skin cancer • Abdominal cramps • Muscle weakness • Miscarriage • Poor child development • Changes in vision • Memory loss Testing your drinking water for heavy metals The best way to avoid the negative effects of heavy metals is to limit exposure. Since we know drinking water can contain metals contamination, testing is recommended. The Health-Metric Heavy Metals Test for Drinking Water is an easy to use test kit you can use at home, work, anywhere you need to check the safety of the water. The test kit detects one or more common heavy metals found in drinking water. The test functions as a general metals scan. It cannot tell you which metals are in your water. Each heavy metal requires its own test, some of which must be done in a laboratory at great expense. The Health-Metric Heavy Metals Test Kit lets you know if there are metals in your water, so you can investigate and take action if necessary.
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