\n\nScientists from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) just shared some really important findings. Their report says contaminated tap water causes up to 100,000 cancer cases each year in the U.S. alone. This news comes right after the EPA’s report about lead in Newark’s water, which has people worried nationwide.\n\nSydney Evans, the study’s lead author, put it simply: “We want people to understand that even water meeting legal standards might still pose health risks, based on the newest science. This is a concern everywhere, whether you’re in a big city or a small town, with a tiny or massive water system.”\n\nWhat’s Causing the Risk?\n\nThe big risk comes from many things that sneak into our tap water. Most of it, they say, is from natural arsenic, often found in groundwater, and from the byproducts of chemicals we use to disinfect water, like chlorine or chloramine. The report, published in Heylion, a peer-reviewed journal, also mentioned radioactive contaminants. Even so, the number of cancer cases linked to water is a smaller piece of the total cancer cases in the country. \n\nThe American Cancer Society reported 1.7 million new cancer cases in 2018 alone. Still, Olga Naidenko, Vice President of Science Investigations at the Environmental Working Group, believes water contamination plays a big role in causing cancer. She noted that of all environmentally-caused cancers, water contamination is responsible for a higher percentage.\n\nWater in the U.S.\n\nThe U.S. actually ranks pretty well globally for water quality. We’ve managed to get rid of many biological causes of illness, like E. Coli bacteria, which are more common in developing countries. But our water still isn’t totally safe because other contaminants are becoming a real problem. Think about lead leaching from old pipes, underground arsenic, and disinfectants – those are just a few of the tough ones we’re dealing with.\n\nWe can usually identify and fix problems like these. But the study also points out that contaminants in drinking water contribute a huge share to the overall cancer risk, especially in large communities. Researchers looked at water quality levels across more than 48,000 systems. Evans suggested people check their local water reports and, if needed, get an individual filter for their home. Even in Washington D.C., regulators found levels of 10 contaminants that exceeded standards – and those standards are more like suggestions than strict rules. Most of these contaminants are linked to cancer.\n\nHow Can You Stay Safe?\n\nArsenic, lead, chlorine, and many other elements have been found to cause cancer in up to 100,000 cases across the country. Given this, it’s smart, just like Evans suggested, for families to know their local water quality reports. If needed, get a residential filter to keep your drinking water safe.\n\nAMPAC USA recommends a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter. It’s especially good at removing practically every contaminant, including those 10 chemicals D.C. regulators found. An RO filter is an all-in-one package for protection against biological, organic, and chemical impurities. It also gets rid of suspended particles, total dissolved salts, and odor, making your water taste great. You get clean, stress-free water at your fingertips. These filters are almost always automatic, so you don’t need to babysit them. They even adjust to changing water quality and impurity levels, which makes them a must-have today.\n\nIf you need a product like this or are looking for your local or home water quality report, you can call AMPAC USA at (909) 548-4900 for quick help. Our experts are more than qualified to test your water for impurities and suggest the best option for you and your family. Reach out to us today!\n

Related reading: Assessing the threats of organophosphate esters (flame retardants and plasticizers) to drinking water safety based on USEPA oral reference dose (RfD) and oral cancer slope factor (SFO), Drinking-water nitrate and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Nationwide reconnaissance of contaminants of emerging concern in source and treated drinking waters of the United States.