The Effects of Drinking Contaminated Water

We've all been told to avoid drinking dirty and/or contaminated water. But how well informed are we about the consequences of doing so? Water contamination can occur in city water supplies, well water supplies and fresh water sources, such as lakes, streams, and rivers. Read through this guide to discover more.

1. What could the water be contaminated with?  

Bacteria or chemicals, such as nitrates can contaminate the water. When a water test shows the presence of bacteria, it is considered to be unsafe to drink. Total coliform organisms, a group of bacteria found in the environment, are an indicator of the safety of your water. If present, it indicates that disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, could potentially be present in your water supply. 

 

In addition, if any amount of E.coli bacteria is found in a water sample (E. coli generally lives in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans) it is known that human sewage or animal feces have contaminated the water supply. The presence of nitrates in well water is usually the result of farming activities like fertilizing. Consequently, if nitrates are at levels above 10 milligrams per liter of water, an infant may suffer from a condition known as 'blue baby syndrome' - caused by nitrates interfering with the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.

2. What are the signs of drinking contaminated water? 

When drinking contaminated water, the health effects people experience may or may not present themselves immediately. In addition, the overall health, age and physical condition of the persona are other factors which determine the extent of what is experienced. Some of the more common problems experienced from drinking impure water include, but are not limited to: 

• Gastrointestinal Problems 

• Diarrhea 

• Nausea 

• Intestinal or Stomach Cramping 

• Intestinal or Stomach Aches and Pains 

• Dehydration 

• Death 

 

However, if no signs or symptoms are experienced, it does not mean that there are no potential long-term effects. In fact, if water sources have been contaminated with radium or radon gas, it is likely that you will not notice immediate health effects. However, long-term exposure has been linked to others. In addition to this, other possible contaminants found in tainted water sources include: 

 

• E. coli Bacteria 

• Coliform Bacteria 

• Nitrates 

• Lead 

• Fluoride 

• Arsenic 

• Radium 

• Radon 

• Pharmaceuticals 

• Herbicides 

• Pesticides 

• Chemicals 

• Fecal Matter 

• Microbial Pathogens 

• Parasites 

• Viruses 

• Petrochemicals

What causes water to become contaminated?  

Contaminants can enter water supplies through various means, including being absorbed into the ground and contaminated ground water sources, broken pipes, and excess water run-off during heavy rain periods. 

 

Does dirty/contaminated water smell? 

There are instances where the water could smell or taste different. But in most cases, contaminants have no taste or odor, leaving no indication of contamination. 

 

Will boiling the water help make it safe? 

When boiling the water, it does kill most types of parasites, bacteria, and viruses. However, it can cause increased concentrations of other contaminants due to evaporation of water. 

 

How can I tell if my water is safe to drink? 

The best way to test if your water is safe and free from bacteria is to get it tested by an experienced water purification company in your area. The results will let you know exactly what is in your water and what steps you can take to improve it - such as getting quality water softeners and filters installed in your home or business.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

7 things to know about using disposable plastic containers, for piping hot food or otherwise

 Takeaways have been a lifeline for hawkers and other food and beverage businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when dining out was banned.

The “dabao” (takeaway) culture was alive and well in Singapore, however, even before the pandemic.

And much as the authorities and zero-waste advocates have called on consumers to bring their own reusable containers when visiting their favourite food stalls, most people find it more convenient to use the single-use containers provided by the businesses.

But what exactly are these containers made of, are they suited for all kinds of food and is it safe to reuse them? CNA Insider’s Talking Point web original series seeks answers from pharmacologist and toxicologist Henry Leung.

1. WHAT’S IN MY CONTAINER?

Disposable food containers are generally made of plastic resins mixed with some additives, said Leung. Additives are chemical substances that could improve the performance of the plastic by, for example, making it more flexible, or improve its physical appearance.

“Some of these additives are added if the disposable box is designed to hold high-temperature food,” added the senior lecturer at Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Chemical and Life Sciences.

As for the container’s main ingredient, the resin identification code at the bottom of some containers — in the middle of the recycling logo — lets you know what type of plastic it is. Here is what the numbers mean:

• Code 1: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Code 2: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Code 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Code 4: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• Code 5: Polypropylene (PP)
• Code 6: Polystyrene (PS)
• Code 7: Polycarbonate (PC) and other plastics

 

2. WHICH TYPE OF PLASTIC IS THE SAFEST?

It depends on what the container is being used for, such as hot food or food to be microwaved. Consumers should choose the correct plastic for their intended use, and this applies to reusable containers too, advised Leung.

“If your container is (going to be) consistently heated, you might want to look at a heat-resistant, reusable plastic container,” he said. Polypropylene (Code 5), for example, is the most suitable for microwaving because of its resistance to heat.

There are also containers designed to be put in the fridge and freezer, such as high-density polyethylene (Code 2).

“(In contrast), some … disposable plastic containers, (if) put in the freezer, will very likely crack because they’re not designed to work at extreme temperatures,” Leung added.

3. IS IT SAFE TO USE DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS FOR PIPING HOT SOUP?

If hot soup is poured into a container that is not made for such high temperatures, the plastic will deform immediately, said Leung.

Containers that are safe for the microwave would feature the label but may also include instructions to remove the cover first.

 

4. CAN I REUSE DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS?

They are recommended for one-time use. “They are safe for their immediate intended purpose but not beyond what they are designed for,” the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) states on its website.

If you must reuse disposable plastics, then a “like-for-like” approach is important, said Leung. This means refilling a container of bottled water with water instead of, say, coffee.

He also reminds his friends and colleagues to look out for telltale signs that they should stop using a container.

Discolouration in a particular area could mean it was overheated. After repeated use, the takeaway container’s texture could change and become harder or softer. “These are signs that it has gone beyond the limits of the plastic formulations,” said Leung.

“If you ignore all these signs and continue using the plastic container, you’d be taking the risk of accumulating more of these chemicals than you’re exposed to normally.”

While it is important to be environmentally friendly, there is “no point” in using disposable containers inappropriately, he added.

Instead of risking chemicals from these containers leaching into one’s food or beverage, consider reusable containers with at least the plastic identification code and a food safety label.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement