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Dangers in Your Water That Can Harm You
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 11 2004 | 1,625 views

Americans may have to pay closer attention to the meat they are eating, as researchers have discovered fish and animals store chemicals from the environment in their fat. Further, by eating these contaminated meats, people are transferring harmful chemicals into their bodies.
According to studies on mice and rats, high levels of such contaminants could lead to liver and thyroid damage.

The reason fish and animals are becoming "infected" with these chemicals is because of the water they are drinking or inhabiting. It seems that concentrations of a flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been appearing in Lake Michigan and the concentrations are increasing.

However, the question many researchers want to know is how did these chemicals end up in Lake Michigan in the first place? The most probable answer is: The air.

In addition to the discoveries of PBDEs in Lake Michigan, these chemicals can also be found in computers, televisions, furniture and carpets. The United States, unlike Europe, has not taken the steps to ban these chemicals. Even though there has been no direct link between such chemicals and specific diseases of developmental impairment, the cases of contaminated people in America may prove otherwise.

Water Contamination Cases in America

  • Women in California have three to 10 times increased amounts of PBDEs in their breast tissue, compared to women in Europe and Japan
  • PBDE levels in Indiana and California women and infants is 20 times greater than in Sweden and Norway

These findings add to the existing concerns over the amount of chemicals appearing in supermarket products and women's breast milk.

Yahoo! News November 24, 2004



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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If you don't live near Lake Michigan, please don't be fooled into thinking you have avoided this water-contamination concern, as scientists have discovered that all of the Great Lakes have become a toxic link in the world's food chain for bioconcentrating contaminants.

You've probably seen a great deal on my Web site about the importance of drinking pure water and avoiding tap water at all costs due to such "goodies" as chlorine, aluminum and fluoride.

With all of these dangerous contaminants swimming around in your water, you should make it a point to ensure the safety of your tap water supply. This is an understatement if you, your children or even your pets ever drink from the tap water supply, but it's also definitely the case if you cook with, clean dishes with or bathe in your tap water.

Related Articles:

Beware of Lead in Your Tap Water

Water Quality is Only as Good as the Pipes it Flows Through

America’s Water Resources are Under Attack!

Is Your Bottled Water Really Clean?

California Milk May be Contaminated With Rocket Fuel






 
 
 
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