Water transparency and health effects
Lifestyle Desk, Lucknow. Generally people consider clean and transparent water to be safe, but experts say that mere appearance of water is not a guarantee of its safety. Water may contain harmful chemicals that are not visible to the eye, but can harm health if ingested over a long period of time.
Arsenic, some industrial chemicals, and 'forever chemicals' such as PFAS in water are of concern. PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Additionally, drinking water containing arsenic over a long period of time may increase the risk of lung, bladder and skin cancer.
Hidden danger in clear water
It is worth noting that many chemicals present in water do not cause any change in color, smell or taste. Therefore, it is not possible to detect whether water is potable or not just by looking at the eyes. Scientific tests are necessary for this.
Experts are concerned about chemicals that persist in the environment for a long time. PFAS are called 'forever chemicals' for this reason. They have been used in many industrial and consumer products and exposure to them has been linked to several health problems, including cancer.
Claim of 66 years old rule
An important point here is that the claim “66-year-old rules are increasing the risk of cancer” is not directly proven. No 66-year-old drinking water rule has been confirmed by reliable sources to be a cause of cancer.
Rules made in 1958
According to experts, the acceptable level of nitrate in drinking water was determined in 1958. According to this, the limit of nitrate in water was kept at 50 mg per liter. This rule was made keeping in mind the blue baby syndrome occurring in children. Blue baby syndrome is a serious condition in which the blood's ability to carry oxygen is reduced, causing the skin to turn blue, which can be life-threatening.
conclusion: Clear looking water is not always chemical-free. To know the actual safety of water, scientific investigation and adherence to prescribed quality standards is necessary.