Industrial Chemicals
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Benzene
Benzene, a volatile organic chemical, is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid. Benzene may contaminate water through factory discharge and leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills. Drinking water contaminated with Benzene in excess may result in anemia, decreased blood platelets and an increased risk of cancer.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a synthetic organic compound used in the manufacture of epoxy resins and other polymers. Since 2012, BPA has been banned from use in baby bottles and sippy cups. The CDC found detectable levels of BPA in 90% of tested urine samples taken from the U.S population. BPA is known as an endocrine disruptor which means it may interfere with the endocrine system, producing adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects.
Di-n-Butylphthalate
Di-n-butylphthalate is a chemical from a group of industrial plasticizers called phthalates. Di-n-butylphthalate is one of the most common chemicals found in drinking water. It has been found in water used by 5 million people. Phthalates have been linked to birth defects and reproductive toxicity.
Hexavalent Chromium
Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6) is a toxic heavy metal made famous by the Erin Brockovich movie. Though it can occur naturally in the environment, Hexavalent Chromium may also contaminate water through leaks from industrial plants and hazardous waste sites. Hexavalent Chromium is a known carcinogen that has been linked to lung, nasal and sinus cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Hexavalent Chromium has been detected in the drinking water of at least 72 million Americans in 42 states.
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE)
MTBE is a member of a group of chemicals known as fuel oxygenates. MTBE may contaminate water through leaking of underground storage tanks and pipelines, spills and emissions from marine engines into lakes and reservoirs. MTBE is one of the most common chemicals found in drinking water. It has been found in water supplied to 12 million people. MTBE is associated with liver and kidney damage, and nervous system effects.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's)
PCB's are a group of chemicals which can be odorless or mildly aromatic solids or oily liquids. PCB's may contaminate water through runoff from landfills and discharge of waste chemicals. Drinking water contaminated with PCB's in excess has been linked to many health effects including immune deficiencies, problems with the thymus gland, reproductive or nervous system and an increased risk of cancer.
Sodium Fluoride
Fluoride, which has been added to water since the 1950's, has been linked to many health effects including bone disease, systemic disorder, increased risk for cancer, down syndrome, heart disease, osteoporosis and bone fracture, immune disorders, low intelligence, renal disorders, Alzheimer disease and allergic reactions.Â
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
VOC's are carbon-containing compounds that are contained in a wide variety of commercial, industrial and residential products. When improperly discarded, theses chemicals soak into the ground and eventually end up in groundwater where they can easily migrate to nearby wells, contaminating drinking water supplies. Drinking water contaminated with VOC's in excess may be harmful to the central nervous system, kidneys or liver. Some VOC's are known or suspected carcinogens.
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