Heavy Metal pollutants in drinking water

Heavy Metal Pollutants in our water

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Heavy metals normally occurring in nature are not harmful to our environment, because they are only present in very small amounts. The heavy metals only become pollution when they show up in huge amounts due to industrialization The heavy metals causing pollution are mercury, arsenic, copper, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc. These are just a few of the identified metals.

Aluminum

For a very long time, aluminum was undiscovered and not a problem as a pollutant. It was only until recently that people began to study the effects of aluminum in our environment. In fact, aluminum isn't a heavy metal because its low molecular weight. In nature, aluminum is found in the earth and the ocean.

Most people get aluminum into their bodies from food. Aluminum is a protective cover over processed cheese, it is used to whiten flour, and it is added to table salt. Most people will get 40-50mg. of aluminum in their diets a day (www.healthy.net). People may also get aluminum into their bodies from aluminum foil and cookin gwith and storing food in aluminum pots and pans.

Arsenic

Arsenic is actually not very toxic when compared to some of the other heavy metals. It is a key additive in rat poison, and with constant exposure, it is thought that arsenic may affect the chromosomes of humans and their health. However, very small amounts of arsenic could be good for humans to live and even be able to breathe. Arsenic is found naturally in the earth and even in some foods, including apricot pits and apple seeds and mineral spring waters. This natural form of arsenic is not very dangerous at all. The inorganic form of arsenic, found in contaminated meats, weed killers, and insecticides, however, can be very toxic.

Barium

Barium, a poisonous metal, is used in glass and pottery glazes, fireworks, as well as rat poison. in fireworks. Barium reacts with many other nonmetals, all of its water-soluble and acid-soluble compounds are poisonous.

Cadmium

Cadmium is found in the earth as well as in cigarette smoke, oil paints, foods, water pipes, coffee, tea, coal burning, and shellfish. The levels of cadmium are much greater in cities due to urban dumping and industry. This gets into our water.

Lead

Lead is a toxic ingredient of many painted walls and also in many water pipes throughout the world. It was banned by the EPA and is a know toxin.

Mercury

Mercury is a historic poison and highly toxic. It to can be illegally disposed of and end up polluting our environment and directly poisoning our sources of drinking water.

Zinc