Have you ever noticed that your skin can react strangely to water? Perhaps you’ve noticed redness, rashes, or even more critical things such as blisters and sores.
It is because of polluted water. The issue of contaminated water is a major problem around the world, with many people not knowing that they’re drinking or bathing in it. While this cannot always be avoided, most people live in cities and rely on municipal utilities for the water supply.
This article will discuss some common sources of contamination, how they impact your health when ingested over time, and how best to eliminate those contaminants from your daily routine.
1. Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is a common and uncomfortable condition that can occur when you come into contact with something that irritates your skin. The most common causes of skin irritation are cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and other chemicals.
According to Medical News Today, common skin diseases include psoriasis, eczema, moles, acne, and fungal infection. However, their symptoms can be similar their treatment may vary according to need.
Contaminated water is one of the most common causes of skin irritation and inflammation. It can irritate, dry out, and damage the skin on your face and body. In addition, it can lead to an increased risk of infections if it’s not taken care of.
It’s necessary to get your water tested regularly to ensure it is safe for you to use. If you live in an area with high levels of bacteria in the water supply, installing a filtration system may be necessary. It ensures that your water can be purified before being used.
2. Skin Infections
Skin infections are a common health issue caused by exposure to contaminated water. Polluted water can contain harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause skin infections. These infections can range from mild rashes to severe skin conditions that require medical attention.
One of the most common skin infections caused by contaminated water is a swimmer’s itch. This condition is caused by parasitic worms in contaminated water that penetrate the skin, causing an itchy rash. Other skin infections from exposure to contaminated water include folliculitis, impetigo, and cellulitis.
Another example of how dangerous skin infections from polluted water can be is leptospirosis. This disease causes symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Around 10% of people with leptospirosis may develop severe illnesses like meningitis, breathing difficulty, bleeding, and liver and kidney failure, as per CDC.
It spreads through contact with rat urine or animal droppings found in rivers or lakes contaminated by sewage systems near farms where animals live nearby.
People who lived at Camp Lejeune suffered skin diseases like multiple Myeloma due to harmful chemicals present in the water bodies of the region. Therefore, if you were exposed to contaminated water while you lived in the region and developed critical health conditions, you are entitled to compensation from the government.
The claim amount for the injury varies from person to person according to the extent of the injury. However, the Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout per person ranges from $10,000 to $500,000, depending upon the state of the lawsuit.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing skin infections from contaminated water. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any signs of a skin infection after exposure to polluted water.
3. Cancer
A common misconception is that only radiation can cause cancer. Viruses also cause DNA damage, which can lead to the formation of cancerous cells. Contaminated water can contain these harmful viruses and cause them to enter your body through drinking or bathing in contaminated water.
In addition to radiation and viruses, exposure to chemical compounds is also a leading cause of cancer. Chemicals in water supplies are linked to several health problems, including cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 44 Americans are affected by water contaminants. These contaminants can be found in tap, well, and bottled water.
According to a law firm, TorHoerman Law, water contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 70 other chemicals caused different types of cancers in people residing at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987. Along with cancer, they were also diagnosed with several critical health conditions.
4. Reproductive Issues
Contaminated water can cause various reproductive health issues in both men and women. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it’s necessary to know that contaminated water can lead to infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. In addition, studies show that women who consume water with high levels of arsenic have a higher risk of having babies with low birth weight or preterm delivery.
If you’ve been exposed to contaminated water, it’s possible that you could develop reproductive problems like female infertility or male impotence. In addition, you may face a greater impact on your reproductive health by causing permanent damage to sperm cells if you are exposed to the water supply with toxic chemicals like lead and mercury.
5. Kidney Damage
The kidneys filter blood, removing waste products like phosphorus and potassium from your body. However, if they’re not working properly, they can’t remove these substances from your system, and other health problems may result.
Kidney damage can also cause you to retain nitrogenous waste products, such as uric acid, that would normally be excreted through urine or sweat.
Contaminated water can wreak havoc on your kidneys. When you consume contaminated water, the toxins can build up in your system and cause kidney damage. This buildup can lead to gout, a painful condition where crystals form inside joints and kidney stones.
If your kidneys are damaged due to contaminated water consumption, this can impact how your body processes sugar. As a result, it may cause you to have an increased risk of developing diabetes or other related conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
6. Gastrointestinal Illnesses
In addition to skin problems, polluted water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. If you’re drinking or bathing in contaminated water, you could experience diarrhea and vomiting. However, these symptoms may be mild enough that they don’t require medical attention.
However, if they persist longer or cause severe dehydration or other health problems like kidney failure, you must talk with your doctor about treatment options.
Contaminated Water is a Serious Concern That Can Impact Your Health
Contaminated water is any drinkable liquid contaminated with harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common contamination causes are sewage overflow or leaks, industrial pollution, and chemical spills.
Contaminated water is not just an inconvenience. It’s a serious concern that can impact your health.
With all of these health concerns, it is clear that polluted water is a critical problem. Therefore, it’s crucial to protect yourself and your family from contaminated water by ensuring that your drinking water comes from a safe source.
