Water Filters That Remove Arsenic
Water filters can improve the taste and appearance of drinking water. However, they also perform a vital function regarding your health. These systems can remove impurities, such as arsenic, which can cause serious health issues.
Not all filters will remove heavy metals like arsenic. It behooves you then to choose a system which will properly treat your water.
Effects
Long-term arsenic exposure can have serious health effects.
A 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences found that arsenic exposure can cause bladder, skin, and liver cancer among other types 1. It can also cause nervous and cardiovascular system damage. Your risk depends upon the concentration of arsenic in your drinking water, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council 1. A water filter can reduce the amount of arsenic that you ingest.
Sources
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Arsenic can enter drinking water from several sources 13.
Industrial processes and agricultural practices can introduce this heavy metal into drinking water supplies. Arsenic can also enter water supplies from abandoned wells, according to the Brownfields and Land Revitalization Technology Support Center. Another source is through erosion. Arsenic occurs naturally in the Earth's crust. As it breaks down, it can enter surface waters or groundwater.
- Arsenic can enter drinking water from several sources 1.
- Industrial processes and agricultural practices can introduce this heavy metal into drinking water supplies.
Considerations
One of the more compelling reasons for getting a water filter to remove arsenic is that it is undetectable. You may never know you have an arsenic problem because you cannot taste, smell, or see it in your drinking water. Arsenic is one of about 90 contaminants monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA 3. Your water utility is required by law to provide information on contaminants in drinking water 3.
- One of the more compelling reasons for getting a water filter to remove arsenic is that it is undetectable.
- You may never know you have an arsenic problem because you cannot taste, smell, or see it in your drinking water.
Types
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Arsenic must be physically removed from water. It does not dissolve. A filter is your best option. A reverse osmosis system is an effective way to treat arsenic-tainted water. Pressure forces water through a filter membrane. The effectiveness of reverse osmosis depends upon the membrane's ability to filter water.
A water softener can remove calcium which could coat the membrane. You can also install arsenic filters. These filters work in conjunction with other types of filters, such as activated carbon filters, to provide a complete treatment system.
- Arsenic must be physically removed from water.
- These filters work in conjunction with other types of filters, such as activated carbon filters, to provide a complete treatment system.
Maintenance
Your water filter will require periodic maintenance to ensure the quality of your water. You may need to replace filter cartridges on a regular basis. Consult your water filter instructions for the correct maintenance schedule. Because arsenic is undetectable, you won't know if and when your system fails. If you are on a private well, the National Ground Water Association recommends annual water tests for bacteria and contaminants. If you use city water, your water utility will conduct regular testing.
- Your water filter will require periodic maintenance to ensure the quality of your water.
- If you are on a private well, the National Ground Water Association recommends annual water tests for bacteria and contaminants.
Related Articles
References
- "Arsenic in Drinking Water;" National Academy of Sciences; 1999
- University of Maine: Arsenic in Maine Groundwater
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water Contaminants
- Chronic Arsenic Poisoning Probably Caused by Arsenic-Based Pesticides: Findings from an Investigation Study of a Household
- The history of arsenical pesticides and health risks related to the use of Agent Blue - PubMed
- Drinking Water Arsenic Rule History | Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems | US EPA
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- Understanding arsenic dynamics in agronomic systems to predict and prevent uptake by crop plants
- Arsenic Content in American Wine - PubMed
- Analysis of Total Arsenic Content in California Wines and Comparison to Various Health Risk Criteria | American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Analysis of Total Arsenic Content in California Wines and Comparison to Various Health Risk Criteria | American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Analysis of Total Arsenic Content in California Wines and Comparison to Various Health Risk Criteria | American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Analysis of Total Arsenic Content in California Wines and Comparison to Various Health Risk Criteria | American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Current Perspective on Arsenic in Wines: Analysis, Speciation, and Changes in Composition during Production - PubMed
- Current Perspective on Arsenic in Wines: Analysis, Speciation, and Changes in Composition during Production - PubMed
- Arsenic Content in American Wine - PubMed
- Arsenic Content in American Wine - PubMed
- Analysis of Total Arsenic Content in California Wines and Comparison to Various Health Risk Criteria | American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Arsenic Content in American Wine - PubMed
- Analysis of Total Arsenic Content in California Wines and Comparison to Various Health Risk Criteria | American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Understanding arsenic dynamics in agronomic systems to predict and prevent uptake by crop plants
- Chronic Arsenic Poisoning Probably Caused by Arsenic-Based Pesticides: Findings from an Investigation Study of a Household
- Arsenic Consumption in the United States - PubMed
- Arsenic exposure and tobacco consumption: Biomarkers and risk assessment - PubMed
- Arsenic Toxicity - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
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- Arsenic Exposure, Assessment, Toxicity, Diagnosis, and Management: Guidance for Occupational and Environmental Physicians - PubMed
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- Arsenic Exposure, Assessment, Toxicity, Diagnosis, and Management: Guidance for Occupational and Environmental Physicians - PubMed
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Writer Bio
Chris Dinesen Rogers has been online marketing for more than eight years. She has grown her own art business through SEO and social media and is a consultant specializing in SEO and website development. Her past work experience includes teaching pre-nursing students beginning biology, human anatomy and physiology. Rogers's more than 10 years in conservation makes her equally at home in the outdoors.