Toxic chemicals in tap water linked to more than 100,000 cancer cases

(NaturalHealth365)  In many parts of the U.S., people rely on municipal drinking water.  While relying on tap water may feel convenient and “safe” … there are some major concerns that too many people are not considering.  For example, a growing body of research confirms a troubling reality: there are cancer-causing chemicals in tap water.

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a link between long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) in chlorinated drinking water and the incidence of colorectal cancer.  Moreover, another study published in Heliyon conducted a cumulative assessment of cancer risk associated with public drinking water.  And fair warning: their results will make you want to get yourself a high-quality water purification system.

Is your tap water loaded with cancer-causing chemicals?

The study linked above found that high concentrations of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water (≥15 µg/L) were associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in men, particularly for proximal colon cancer.  These results suggest that disinfection by-products in drinking water may pose a potential risk factor for proximal colon cancer in men, even at lower THM concentrations than those studied previously.

In the second study, a team of researchers used statistical analysis to calculate the combined impact of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in tap water among 48,363 community water systems nationwide.

Here are a few of their main takeaways:

• Tap water – within the U.S. – contains at least 22 contaminants in particular that are associated with increased cancer risk, including radioactive compounds like uranium and radium.
• While most community water systems meet legal standards for contaminant concentrations, research indicates that contaminants can threaten human health even at these “legal” levels.  Some municipal water systems, including Washington D.C., tested positive for carcinogenic contaminants at levels exceeding the legal limit.
• Smaller communities were at greater risk.
• Overall, the presence of carcinogens in tap water is projected to contribute to at least 100,000 cases of cancer across a lifetime.  “Decreasing the levels of chemical contaminants in drinking water,” they assert, “represents an important opportunity for protecting public health.”

What does 100,000 cases of cancer over the course of a lifetime mean exactly?  Here’s how to make sense of this important statistical projection:

In 2018, there were approximately 1.7 million new cases of cancer.  Now, let’s assume the typical lifespan is around 70 – 80 years.   This would mean that over the course of an average lifetime, tens of millions of cancer cases will occur – and as many as 100,000 of those are expected to be directly related to carcinogenic chemicals in the tap water.

So, what should we do with this information?  Should we forgo tap water and opt for bottled water?

Unfortunately, the statement that bottled water causes cancer actually has some scientific weight to it.  You see, a little-known fact is that most bottled water brands manufacture their bottles right before putting the water inside.  This virtually guarantees a large amount of BPA will contaminate every bottle sold to the public.  Keep in mind, not all companies do this.  But, the big bottlers are making toxic bottles to house their water product.

Exposure to chemicals in plastic like BPA – an endocrine disruptor – can increase your risk of cancer and even affect fetal brain development in the womb.  Even BPA substitutes have been shown to increase breast cancer cell growth.

All told, many bottled water brands have over 24,000 different chemicals in it, many of which are toxic to humans.  So, what’s a health-conscious person to do?

3 tips to reduce your exposure to harmful cancer-causing chemicals in water (and elsewhere)

As you know, reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals will make a significant (positive) impact on your health – over time.  These practical tips are a great way to reduce your risk:

1. Use a high-quality water purification system directly attached to your incoming water supply.  Note: Most “filter pitchers” are a waste of money and don’t filter out enough toxins.  We at NaturalHealth365 have suggested the Berkey water filtration system (that does not require electricity) or, if you can, get a reverse osmosis system for your water source.  You may even want to consider adding molecular hydrogen to your drinking water.  Molecular hydrogen has been shown to neutralize free radical damage in the body – minimizing the adverse effects of oxidative stress.
2. Obviously, plastic water bottles rich in BPA should be avoided.  Your health and the environment will thank you.  Instead, use a glass, stainless steel, or ceramic water bottle.
3. Avoid touching carbonless receipts from cash registers or coupons, especially if you’ve recently used a hand sanitizer.  This can increase the absorption of BPA through the skin.

Bottom line: with a little effort you can greatly reduce your exposure to toxic water.  You may even be fortunate enough to locate a natural spring that supplies clean drinking water.  But, always test your water source for purity, don’t guess.

Sources for this article include:

Healthline.com
Prevention.com
News-medical-net.com
Heliyon.com
Cancer.ca
Breastcancer.org

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