Health Risks of Consuming Pesticides
Most people are exposed to low levels of pesticides through food and water.
The health effects of these low-level exposures are not well understood, but they may develop over time.
Here’s just a few of the health problems pesticides can cause:
- Increased risk of several types of cancer, including leukemia, brain cancer, and breast cancer
- May interfere with hormones, resulting in fertility problems and other reproductive issues
- Have been linked to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and Parkinson's disease
Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of pesticides.
Young children are more likely to be exposed to pesticides because they often play on the ground where pesticide residues may be present.
Kids are also more likely to put their hands and other objects in their mouths.
Side Effects of Short vs. Long-term Pesticide Exposure
The toxicity of a pesticide depends on many factors, including:
- Type of pesticide
- Amount of exposure
- Length of time exposed
- How the pesticide enters the body (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact)
Acute toxicity is the harmful effects that occur immediately after exposure to a pesticide.
Symptoms of acute toxicity include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Muscle twitching or tremors
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Chronic toxicity is the harmful effects that occur after repeated or long-term exposure to a pesticide.
Symptoms of chronic toxicity include:
- Cancer
- Reproductive problems
- Birth defects
- Neurological disorders
How Common are Pesticides In Tap Water?
The vast majority of these detections were at levels too low to pose a health concern, but the worst cities were:
- Miami, Florida
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- San Diego, California
Better be careful if you live in one of these areas!
These pesticides are known to be dangerous to both human health and the environment.
For example, Atrazine has been linked to hormone disruption and birth defects, and Chlorpyrifos can cause neurological problems in children.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, has been linked to cancer.
The EWG's report is a wake-up call for all Americans who want to protect their health and the environment.
Why Pesticides Are Common In U.S. Tap Water
Pesticides can enter tap water in several ways.
They may be applied to crops, golf courses, and residential lawns and then wash into waterways.
Or they may leach from agricultural fields, livestock pastures, or forestry sites into groundwater that supplies drinking water wells.
Pesticides can also enter surface water through sewage overflows or runoff from rainstorms.
Regulations for Pesticides In Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established drinking water standards for a handful of pesticides, but sadly these standards are not being met by many water utilities.
The EPA is in the process of revising its drinking water regulations for pesticides, but it is unclear when these revisions will be finalized.
In the meantime, the EWG is advocating for the establishment of enforceable federal drinking water standards for all pesticides that have the potential to contaminate tap water.
EWG also recommends that utilities regularly test for a wide range of pesticides and provide the results to their customers.
How To Reduce Pesticide Contamination In Water
There are some ways to reduce pesticide contamination in water, including…
IPM is an approach that emphasizes the use of non-chemical control methods, such as biological control and cultural practices, to reduce pest populations.
Home owners who use pesticides can also take steps to reduce the risk of contamination by…
- Using pesticides according to the label directions
- Avoiding drift onto adjacent properties
- Washing hands and clothing after using pesticides
Residents can also ask their water utility about the level of pesticides in their tap water and what is being done to address it.
Some utilities may provide bottled water or filtration systems for homes with high levels of pesticides in their tap water.
How to Protect Your Family from Pesticide Exposure
Pesticides are a serious health risk, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.
First, find out if your water is contaminated. You can request a water quality report from your local utility.
Second, support policies that protect our water sources from pesticide pollution.
Several policies can help protect our water sources from pesticide pollution, including regulations on the use of pesticides, proper disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers, and monitoring of water sources for contamination.
You can support these policies by contacting your elected officials and urging them to take action to protect our water sources.
Finally, install a home water filtration system. This is the best way to remove pesticides from your tap water!
Why Should You Get a Water Filtration System?
You can help reduce your exposure to these harmful pesticides by using a water filter that removes them from your tap.
There are many different types of water filters on the market, so make sure to do your research to find one that is right for you and your family.
By using a water filtration system, you can lessen your family's exposure to these harmful chemicals and save an average of $100 per year on bottled water!
If you are concerned about the level of pesticides in your tap water, a water filtration system is the best way to ease your worries.
Benefits of Drinking Filtered Water
Filtered water can also improve the taste and smell of your tap water, and it can extend the life of your appliances by preventing scale buildup.
Finally, filtered water can save you money by reducing your need to buy bottled water.
How to Choose A Water Filter That’s Right For You
There are many different types of water filters on the market, so it is important to do your research to find one that is right for you and your family.
Some of the most common and effective types of water filters include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and ultraviolet (UV) light filters.
There is no single "best" type of water filter, as each type of filter has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best meets your needs!
Some factors to consider when choosing a water filter include the type of contaminants you want to remove, the cost of the filter, and the maintenance required.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, an activated carbon filter can also be effective at reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
If you are interested in improving the taste and smell of your tap water, an ultraviolet light system or ion exchange filter may be a good option for you.
Finally, if you are concerned about the level of pesticides in your tap water, a reverse osmosis system is the best option.
Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective at removing pesticides because they force water through a semipermeable membrane, trapping contaminants on one side and allowing clean water to pass through to the other side.
For the cleanest water for you and your family, consider installing a filter in your home.
Cloud Water reverse osmosis filters remove up to 99.9% of harmful toxins and make your water taste great.
