Chemicals et al Poison Our Water

What effect do these contaminants have on the growth, health and developement of our children? What are the long term effects? Conventional methods of cleaning our drinking water by water treatment plants do not usually remove chemicals, drugs and other types of contaminants. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of even trace elements when exposed or ingested. At home, parents often mix powdered formula with tap water to feed their babies.
Major industries dump their waste with impunity into our waters.

AP IMPACT: Tons of released drugs taint US water

AP – In this photo taken on Feb. 26, 2009, aeration basins are seen in operation at the Wilmington Wastewater …

By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers Jeff Donn, Martha Mendoza And Justin Pritchard, Associated Press Writers –

U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water — contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.

Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking: For example, lithium is used to make ceramics and treat bipolar disorder; nitroglycerin is a heart drug and also used in explosives; copper shows up in everything from pipes to contraceptives.

Federal and industry officials say they don't know the extent to which pharmaceuticals are released by U.S. manufacturers because no one tracks them —as drugs.

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Related Articles:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0404-nanotechnology__cleaning_up_our_water.htm

Excerpt:

WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE? In the U.S., hazardous waste is defined as any discarded solid or liquid that is highly corrosive, toxic, reactive enough to release toxic fumes, or easily ignited. It can include solvents, pesticides, and spilled chemicals -- including acids, ammonia, chlorine bleach and other industrial cleaning agents -- as well as most heavy metals. Long-term exposure to hazardous waste can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, damaged liver and kidneys, or cancer. Poisoning and chemical burns can result from contact with even small amounts of toxic chemical waste. Even brief exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

WHERE THAT GLASS OF WATER COMES FROM: Drinking water can come from either ground water sources, via wells, or surface water sources, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Most U.S. water systems in small and rural areas use a ground water source, while large metropolitan areas tend to rely on surface water. Causes of contamination can range from agricultural runoff to improper use of household chemicals.

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0303-small_fish_detect_big_problems.htm

site: article and video how changes in small fish detect contaminated water .

COMMENTS:

The Future Was Yesterday said...

It used to be that if you had a deep, flowing spring well, you were envied for the purity and the sweetness of the water. Now, there is no such thing as pure water....in a 60 ft well or a city water system.

Monday, April 20, 2009 2:36:00 AM

Worried American said...

I heard on the TV tonight that the massive aquifer under California is contaminated!

Monday, April 20, 2009 10:56:00 PM