In the United States, tap water contains
over 270 different dangerous contaminants.
Tap water contaminants include lead, chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, PFAs, and more, according to the Environmental Working Group.
It’s all about chlorine, nitrates, and lead today.
Tap water standards are woefully outdated, putting your health at risk. Click on the contaminants below to learn more about what you’re actually drinking.
Arsenic
It is found in drinking water in all 50 states and is classified as a “known human carcinogen” by the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization.
Lead
Lead ends up contaminating drinking water when it leaches from pipes and plumbing. Any amount of lead exposure is unsafe for children and may cause permanent development and behavioral issues.
PFAs
The most common PFAs found in drinking water are PFOS and PFOA. Called ‘forever chemicals’ because they take so long to biodegrade, PFAs can cause serious health effects including cancer, hormone disruption, & liver and immune system damage.
Chlorine
Necessary to disinfect our water of any waterborne diseases, but a potent chemical that alters the smell & taste of our water and is harmful in high doses.
Fluoride
While fluoride is effective for topical use for teeth, consuming fluoride at unsafe levels can cause skeletal fluorosis, making bones more brittle.
Nitrate
Agricultural run-off can cause this fertilizer chemical to end up in our drinking water. Levels of nitrate that exceed federal limits can cause an increased risk of cancer and even oxygen deprivation in babies.
