MAN MADE water CONTAMINANTS

PHARMACEUTICALS

What It Is
Personal care products & improperly disposed medication

Harmful Effects
Harmful to aquatic life
Low harm impact on human health

Treat With:

CADMIUM

What It Is
Corrosion of galvanized pipes, natural deposits erosion & batteries & paints runoff

Harmful Effects
Short Term: Nausea & Vomiting, Diarrhea, Muscle cramps, Sensory disturbances, Liver injury, Convulsions, Shock, Renal failure

Long Term: Kidney, Liver, Bone & Blood damage

Treat With:

PFAS

What It Is
Perfluoroalkyl substances – synthetic chemicals that can dissolve in water (found in a variety of products like non-stick pans, clothing, and carpets)

Harmful Effects
Birth defects
Affect the immune system
Increase cholesterol levels
Increase the risk of cancer

Note: Boiling water does not always make water safer, for it can actually increase the concentration of toxins like PFAS

Treat With:

PESTICIDES

What It Is
Substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals – applications onto crop fields, seepage of contaminated surface water, accidental spills and leaks, improper disposal, and even through injection waste material into wells

Harmful Effects
Potential chronic health problems
Diarrhea
Nasua & Vomiting
Blurred Vision
Abdominal Pain
Increase Salivation
Irritation to eyes, skin & upper respiratory tract
Headache & Dizziness

Treat With:

PERCHLORATE

What It Is
Inorganic chemical used in the manufacturing of fireworks, explosives & rocket propellants. Low levels may naturally occur as well

Harmful Effects
- Inhibits the absorption of iodine by thyroid glands
- Leading to developmental & learning disabilities in children
- Interferes with the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones

Treat With:

NITRITES/NITRATES

What It Is
human sewage & livestock manure, fertilizers, erosion of natural deposits

Harmful Effects
Methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome)
Most potential health effects are seen in infants under the age of 6 months

Treat With: