| Microbes
Coliform bacteria are
common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However,
the presence of these bacteria in drinking sources is usually a
result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes which
distribute to a tap, and indicates that it may be contaminated
with germs that can cause disease.
Fecal Coliform and E
coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the source
may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these
wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps,
nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.
Turbidity
has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with
disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity
may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These
organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause
symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated
headaches.
Cryptosporidium is a
parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal
waste. It causes Cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal
disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people
with severely weakened immune systems. EPA and CDC have prepared advice
for those with severely compromised immune systems who are
concerned about Cryptosporidium.
Giardia lamblia
is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and
animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea,
vomiting, cramps).
Radionuclides
Alpha emitters. Certain minerals are radioactive
and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some
people who drink h2o containing alpha emitters in excess of
EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of
getting cancer.
Beta/photon emitters.
Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation
known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink h2o containing beta and photon emitters in excess of EPA's standard
over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Combined Radium 226/228.
Some people who drink sources containing radium 226 or 228 in excess
of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of
getting cancer.
Radon
gas can dissolve and accumulate in underground water sources, such
as wells, and in the air in your home. Breathing radon can cause
lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon presents a risk of
developing cancer. Radon in air is more dangerous than radon in
water.
These and many more pollutants are
good reasons for water treatment from PUR.
See the full
line of PUR water filters Click
Here... |
