Tap water is becoming a health hazard in the United States. It is not only pesticides and agricultural runoffs that contaminate public drinking water. According to the EPA, the tap water of 30 million Americans contains potentially hazardous levels of lead.(1) In addition, one out of every three public water systems has violated federal standards for tap water. Municipal water can contain many different contaminants, including disease-causing bacteria, radioactive particles, heavy metals, gasoline solvents, industrial wastes, chemical residues and synthetic organic chemicals.
A survey of over 100 municipal water systems and suppliers found significant levels of cancer-causing arsenic, radon and chlorine by-products, reported the Natural Resources Defense Council in October 1995. An estimated 21 million Americans drink water with radon levels higher than federal safety standards , and two-thirds of 300 major water suppliers and agencies fail to give consumers information on their tap water. Polluted drinking water can further raise the risk of developing cancer.
(1) National Women's Health Network, Vol 36, 1993.
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