Metals are naturally present in the environment, the human body, and the food you consume. While most of these metals are harmless when consumed in small amounts, heavy metals such as lead and mercury have been associated with various health issues in both children and adults. This article explores the health implications of lead and mercury contamination.
Diseases Caused by Lead and Mercury
Lead and mercury contamination in drinking water is a pervasive issue that can lead to various health problems.1
Lead Contamination and Health Implications
Lead is a highly toxic metal that, when present in drinking water, can have severe health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The developing nervous systems of foetuses and young children are particularly sensitive to lead exposure.
1. Developmental Issues
Lead exposure during pregnancy can lead to developmental issues in the unborn child. It can increase the risk of miscarriage, lead to premature delivery, hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system, and cause the child to have learning or behavioural problems. 2
2. Behavioural Disorders
Elevated lead levels have been associated with behavioural disorders in children. High levels of lead can affect a child’s brain development, resulting in reduced Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and behavioural changes such as reduced attention span and increased anti-social behaviour.3
Additionally, the WHO reveals that lead exposure also causes anaemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to the reproductive organs.3
3. Cardiovascular Problems in Adults
While the focus is often on the impact of lead on children, adults are not immune to its effects. Long-term exposure to lead in adults has been linked to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.3
4. Reproductive Issues:
Lead exposure can also affect reproductive health in both men and women. It may lead to fertility problems and complications during pregnancy.4
Mercury Contamination and Health Impacts:
Mercury, another hazardous heavy metal, poses its own set of health risks when present in drinking water. The impacts vary depending on the form of mercury and the duration of exposure.1
1. Neurological Disorders in Developing Foetuses and Children
Mercury, especially in its methylmercury form, is known to have detrimental effects on the nervous system.5 In developing foetuses and young children, mercury exposure can lead to neurological disorders, affecting cognitive function, coordination, and sensory perception.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Prolonged exposure to mercury in adults has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.6 Mercury can disrupt the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, contributing to conditions such as heart attacks and hypertension.
3. Kidney Damage
Mercury toxicity can adversely affect the kidneys, leading to impaired renal function. Chronic exposure may contribute to kidney damage over time.7
4. Developmental Issues in Children
Like lead, mercury can also impact the development of children. It may interfere with the growth and functioning of organs and systems, potentially leading to long-term health issues.5
How Lead and Mercury Enter Water Sources
Lead typically enters the water through the corrosion of plumbing materials, particularly older pipes and fixtures. Mercury can find its way into water bodies through industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and natural deposits. Both metals accumulate in the environment, leading to contamination of water supplies.
The Role of Water Purifiers in Eliminating Lead and Mercury
Water purifiers play a pivotal role in eliminating heavy metals like lead and mercury from the water. Here are some water purifiers that can remove lead and mercury from your water.
1. Aquaguard Glory RO+UV+UF+MTDS+Alkaline Water Purifier
This Aquaguard water purifier comes with advanced Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultraviolet (UV), Ultrafiltration (UF), and Alkaline technology, which enables the machine to treat water with up to 2000 mg/l TDS. While RO removes heavy metals like lead and mercury and eliminates disease-causing viruses and bacteria, UV delivers water as safe as boiled water, UF makes your water safe from viral and bacterial contamination, and the Alkaline cartridge instantly increases the pH level of the water and makes it Alkaline. This water purifier also comes with Aquaguard’s patented Active Copper Booster Technology that infuses an adequate amount of copper into your water.
2. Aquaguard Blaze Insta RO+UV+TA+Hot and Ambient Water Purifier
The Aquaguard water purifier offers hot and ambient water with zero wait time. The duel dispense technology in the water purifier dispenses hot and ambient water instantly. UV E-boiling delivers water as safe and pure as water boiled for over 20 minutes. The 5 stages of filtration- Sedi-Filter, Chemi Block, Reverse Osmosis Cartridge, UV E-boiling, Active Copper Booster Cartridge, and TDS Regulator make sure you get purified water. Smart LED indication, high storage capacity, and energy-saving mode are among its other features. There is a removable drip tray for hands-free filling into bottles. Moreover, the 304 stainless steel tank in the water purifier enhances the durability of the machine. The Hot Water Steam that is connected to the hot tank through a 100% copper tube ensures zero risk of plastic burning and leaching.
3. Aquaguard Marvel NXT RO+UV+MTDS+Alkaline+SS Water Purifier
This Aquaguard water purifier has a multi-stage purification process, ensuring pure and clean water at all times. The I-Filter removes turbidity and suspended particles like dust, dirt, and sand. The Chemi-Block eliminates harmful chemicals and organic impurities from the water. The RO membrane removes high TDS, chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury. The UV E-boiling technology disinfects water, delivering water as pure and clean as water boiled for 20 minutes. The Alkaline Cartridge instantly increases the pH and makes the water alkaline. The TDS Regulator adjusts the TDS of purified water to provide healthy water. The water purifier also features a water storage tank made of high-grade 304 stainless steel that’s durable, tough, and corrosive-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, safeguarding your water supply from lead and mercury contamination is imperative for your health. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of RO membranes also play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of water purification systems. By understanding the signs of membrane deterioration and following proper replacement procedures, individuals can contribute to maintaining a safe and reliable source of clean water.
To protect your family from the dangers of waterborne contaminants, act now. Regularly check your RO system, be vigilant for signs of membrane degradation, and replace membranes promptly. Clean water is a fundamental right — let's ensure it remains within everyone's reach.
References
1. Balali-Mood, M., Naseri, K., Tahergorabi, Z., Khazdair, M. R., & Sadeghi, M. (2021). Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and Arsenic. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.643972/ Accessed on 22/03/2024
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Preventing lead exposure in pregnant women. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/pregnant.htm/ Accessed on 22/03/2024
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Lead poisoning and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20known%20safe,and%20learning%20problems%20(1)/ Accessed on 22/03/2024
4. Kumar, S. (2018). Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Lead and Reproductive Health Impairment: An Overview. Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 22(3), 128-137. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_126_18/ Accessed on 22/02/2024
5. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mercury and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health#:~:text=Health%20effects%20of%20mercury%20exposure,kidneys%2C%20and%20may%20be%20fatal/ Accessed on 22/03/2024
6. Genchi, G., Sinicropi, M. S., Carocci, A., Lauria, G., & Catalano, A. (2016). Mercury Exposure and Heart Diseases. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14010074/ Accessed on 22/03/2024
7. PubMed. (2017). An important and prevalent environmental toxicant that induces renal damage is mercury. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28339347/#:~:text=An%20important%20and%20prevalent%20environmental%20toxicant%20that%20induces,to%20the%20effects%20of%20Hg%20than%20normal%20kidneys./ Accessed on 22/03/2024
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Linkedin