Is There Arsenic in My Drinking Water?
High levels of arsenic in drinking water can lead to severe health problems long-term. Well owners must be extra vigilant as arsenic has no color, taste, or odor. Well water quality can vary from location to location, so it is essential to test well and not assume anything. It is not only well owners that must be aware of arsenic. It is believed that 10% of wells and public water sources have higher levels of arsenic that are known to cause disease.
“Elevated levels of arsenic exposure in groundwater have significantly increased the risk of peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gout, lung cancer, and diabetes.” (Source: National Institute of Health)
Arsenic Levels by State
The US has areas of high arsenic concentrations according to the map from the United States Geological Survey. Arsenic is widespread throughout the USA and certain regions in the western USA have levels higher than the EPA maximum allowable levels. A quick look at the map shows clearly that states like Maine, Nebraska, California, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Indiana, and Texas all have large areas with arsenic present.
Symptoms of Arsenic Exposure
According to the EPA’s website http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/index.cfm “….non-cancer effects can include thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; numbness in hands and feet; partial paralysis; and blindness. Arsenic has been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.”
- Cancer
- Stomach Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Partial Paralysis
- Blindness
- Thickening and Discoloration of the Skin
Is There a Safe Amount of Arsenic in Water?
In 2001 the EPA revisited the arsenic problem in the USA and revised downward the arsenic standard for drinking water to 0.01 parts per million (10 parts per billion) to protect consumers served by public water systems from the effects of long-term, chronic exposure to arsenic. Some municipalities are not in compliance with this standard. According to the USGS, it is believed that over 2 million well owners are drinking water with higher than recommended levels of arsenic!
How to Remove Arsenic from Water
A well-designed water distiller, such as an AquaNui water distiller, will remove over 99+% of arsenic in drinking water. AquaNui has been serving homeowners for many years as we strive to provide clean drinking water to people worldwide. Our verified 3rd party lab results show the power of distillation as a superior form of water purification. Not only do our water distillers remove contaminants like arsenic, but they also remove other unknown contaminants.