MindYOURWater

Aluminium is Earth’s most abundant metallic element, found in over 8% of Earth’s crust and has many practical usages for example in the automobile, construction and aircraft industries to produce metal alloys. Aluminium is a naturally occurring water contaminant, however, it has not been proven to have any long term negative health related effects, but short and high term exposure can cause short-lived symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, skin ulcers and skin rashes. There are also concerns that aluminium can contribute to senile dementia, but this has not been clarified.

Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane,  is a chemical that is used to make other chemicals and a byproduct of chlorinating water.  It can be found in groundwater, surface water and drinking water. Since Chloroform is used to treat water and reduce the risk of illness from bacteria and viruses, most people are exposed to it in their drinking water. Long-term exposure to chloroform can damage the liver and kidneys.

Copper is a naturally occurring, used to make many products including plumbing systems, therefore, it can enter drinking water through household plumbing systems. Consuming copper long periods of time can cause a variety of illnesses, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, liver damage and kidney disease.

Heavy metals are normally present in drinking water in small amounts and support everyday body functioning; however, excess exposure to heavy metals is a hazard for health. Heavy metals enter groundwater geologically, as a consequence of agricultural activities and through industrial wastewater. Effect on the human body varies depending on the metal variety and concentration. It may include allergic dermatitis, renal arterial hypertension, liver and kidney diseases, bone and brain diseases, delays in the physical and mental development of infants, and more.

Herbicides are a term used to describe a range of chemicals that are used to treat and control weeds. Herbicides used a variety of active ingredients, some of which are more likely than others to transit to the groundwater through the soil after an application. Level of herbicide contamination in water can vary from month to month and from season to season. All herbicides have some toxicity to them, levels of which vary between products; the effect of them on human health would vary depending on the consumed chemical and dosage.

Lead is a poisonous metal, the consumption of lead can cause long-term health and behavioural problems. There is no safe level of lead, it can damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system.

Mercury is an element that naturally occurs in rocks, soil, water, air and living beings. Short-term exposure can cause skin rashes, diarrhoea and respiratory distress. Long-term exposure can cause muscle tremors, irritability, personality changes and rashes.  Mercury can also cause nerve damage and may cause a loss of sensitivity in the hands and feet, difficulty walking or slurred speech. Mercury consumption can also cause paralysis or death in rare cases.

Pesticides is a term used to describe a range of chemicals that are used to treat pests like weeds and insects. These chemicals include herbicides, disinfectants, fungicides, insecticides, natural and biological pesticides, repellents, and rodenticides. Level of pesticide contamination in water can vary from month to month and from season to season. All pesticides have some toxicity to them, levels of which vary between products; the effect of them on human health would vary depending on the consumed chemical and dosage. Charcoal filters and reverse-osmosis treatments can be used to remove or minimise pesticides in drinking water at home.

Trihalomethane is a common disinfection byproduct, which occurs when disinfectants interact with naturally present organic matter in water during public water systems disinfection processes. Prolonged consumption can lead to bladder cancer and developmental effects.

Zinc is a common metal, which is present in the air, water, soil and all food. Commercially the metal is often used for coatings that prevent the appearance of rust, in dry cell batteries, and as alloys. The major route of exposure to zinc is through consumption of food and drinking water. High consumption of zinc leads to gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Long-term exposure leads to copper deficiency.