Research shows that various contaminants are found in European tap water. Of course, it differs from country to country when it comes to the quantity in which these contaminants are found. However, even in countries that are considered to have some of the best tap water, harmful amounts of contaminants can be found (1, 2, 3). Here you will find some of the most surprising and dangerous ones.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a metal, to which we are exposed regularly, especially when drinking water (8). It’s been linked to different neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer (9). It’s best to limit your exposure to aluminum as much as possible (10,11).
Arsenic
This is a heavy metal which is commonly used in pesticides. It’s known to be a class 1 cancer causing carcinogen (12). For example: other class 1 carcinogens are smoking and asbestos. Oberoi et al. (13) state that 329.000 cases of cancer are related to arsenic every year. It has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases, even in small amounts (under 10 ug/l) (14).
Arsenic has been found to be an immunotoxicant, which means that it’s damaging to our immune system (15).
Like many other toxins, arsenic can be passed on from the mother to her baby. If a mother is exposed to high levels of arsenic, she will increase her chances of miscarriage, and the offspring may experience growth restrictions. Infant mortality rates have also been attributed to arsenic exposure. (16).
Arsenic has also been linked to an increased chance of allergies (17), poor sleep (18) and diabetes (19). It’s best to limit your exposure to arsenic as much as possible (20).
Cadmium
This toxic chemical is known to be a very harmful metal. It’s mostly used in electronics, for example with soldering. It was formerly used in batteries, which was forbidden by the EU in 2005.
It can take more than 30-35 years before cadmium leaves the human body. It’s mostly found in the liver and kidneys. It’s linked to multiple diseases and ailments, including cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer and diabetes (21, 22). It is not surprising, the less exposure to cadmium, the better.
Lead
Lead is a heavy metal which was broadly used through history and found in paint, batteries, plumbing and so much more. Much of these lead based products have been forbidden, but lead is still very active in our environment. Lead can remain active in our blood for about a month, but it often seeps into our bones. More than 90% of all lead in the human body is in our bones, where it can remain active for decades. The bones carry the lead and actually can leak it it back into our bloodstream, where it causes most of the harm.
Even low lead levels (below 10ug/l) are linked to a decrease in the child’s brain development (23), including a decrease in IQ (24), anti-social behaviour, decreased attention and learning disorders (25). The findings are similar for adults, including links to higher blood pressure and an increase in memory loss. Even lead levels as low as 1,2ug have been linked to gout (26).
It’s best to limit your exposure to lead as much as possible.
Mercury
Mercury is commonly used in pesticides and electronics. It’s found in large quantities in some fish, because a lot of mercury-containing waste is disposed of in our waters.
Mercury is linked to many diseases and ailments. Among these are Alzheimer, memory loss, autism and depression (27). Even small doses can be harmful to the development of the nervous system and brain function (28).
Mercury levels in the mother have been linked to brain shrinkage in newborn babies (29). Greater levels of mercury lead to a decreased brain size in children. This heavy metallic element has also been linked to an increased chance of epilepsy in children (5).
Our bodies break down mercury reasonably fast. Within two months, half of it is gone. After one year of mercury consumption, up to 99% can be broken down (4). Even though mercury breakdown happens relatively quickly, It’s best to limit your exposure to mercury as much as possible.
It’s best to limit your exposure to lead as much as possible.
