While some water problems are obvious, like sulfur that can be smelled and seen, other contaminants can bringing bigger issues for your health but do not have any taste, smell or change in appearance. Throughout Henry County, in the past 7 years, there have been warnings for 3 specific contaminants: lead, trihalomethanes, and fluoride.

Lead

Most of us are familiar with lead and the issues. The warning dated July of 2016 states that “Lead poses the greatest risk to young children and pregnant women. Centers for Disease Control recommends children and pregnant women use bottled water or water from filtration”.

Lead comes from water that is supplied through lead pipes, solder, and fixtures. Since there is no safe level of lead exposure, any presence is dangerous, especially with children where it can cause stomach pain and potentially lasting effects of brain damage. Lead may not be present in the water supply specifically but can also be transported into your home from the pipes that bring the water from the street into your home, as well as the plumbing and fixtures in your home.

Trihalomethanes (THMs)

Also in July was a warning for Trihalomethanes that stated, “You do not need to use an alternative (e.g. bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.”

When chlorine is used to clean the water for drinking there are by-products created. THMs have been monitored for negative health effects including cancer and reproductive issues. While the results are not conclusive, research has been done that show a possible correlation and that is why the EPA advises a doctor consultation with specific concerns.

Fluoride

And finally, in 2010 there was a warning regarding fluoride that stated, “Children under nine should be provided with alternative sources of drinking water or water that have been treated to remove fluoride.” This same warning has been issued 27 times around the state of Ohio in recent years as recently as this past May at Grover Elementary School.

Studies have shown that fluoride seems to fit in the category of lead and mercury when it comes to the brain and cognitive development.

Your Home

Various factors contribute to what cause health problems. Genetics, overall health, and nutrition play a part. We live in a world where contaminants are likely everywhere and new conditions are discovered with new technology that leads to further health issues.

A simple step to alleviating some of the worry is to make sure you have clean, contaminant free water in your home. Skin is the largest organ on the human body and it is completely exposed to the elements of water in a hot steamy shower or bath where pores are open are ready to accept whatever makes it’s way in. Also, water is the foundation of most of what we cook and drink. We boil it, steam it, stir it and warm it up every day.

Take the first step toward contaminate-free water and contact us for a free water analysis that includes testing for lead, THMs, fluoride and much more. Once you have your free in-home analysis a water specialist will be happy to work with you to find the best water treatment system for you and your home.