While it may seem strange for some that the words arsenic and drinking water are used in the same sentence, it is not that strange because our drinking water often harbours many toxins of which we are unaware, and arsenic is but one of them.
A study published in the journal Environmental Health in 2014 found that arsenic, which is one of the heavy metals that can be found in public drinking water, even at low levels, can result in children experiencing a 5-6 point drop in IQ score compared to other children.
The study looked directly at drinking water contaminants and their correlation to intelligence, evaluating 272 children in grades 3-5, all of whom had been exposed to arsenic through drinking well water consumed at home, from across the state of Maine. The researchers specifically chose the Augusta area of Maine because most households use well water which has been recorded to contain high levels of arsenic.
Arsenic in drinking water can also cause bladder, lung and skin cancer, according to a study by the National Academy of Sciences, and some studies have indicated that it may also cause kidney and liver cancer. Arsenic is damaging to the central and peripheral nervous systems, heart and blood vessels, causes serious skin problems and may cause reproductive problems and birth defects.
Arsenic is a natural element of the earth’s crust and is used for various purposes, including industry and agriculture. Most arsenic enters drinking water via natural deposits, or via agricultural or industrial pollution. Arsenic often leeches into the drinking water from old mines, waste dumps or via agricultural runoff where it has been used as a pesticide.
One can purchase specific filters or water distillations systems that can purge the arsenic from drinking water, or you can ensure that your drinking water does not contain any toxins by purchasing a water cooler with a good filter that can provide you with fresh, pure, chilled drinking water whenever you feel like it.
Get bottled water coolers and rent watercooler from Living-Water.
