Hot Topics     Women's Health     Healthy Kids     Teen Health     Health Guide    

Water contaminants can impact child health



Here’s how to remove them

Water contaminants can impact child health

Clean, safe drinking water is essential for human health, especially for children, who are particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants. Local, state and federal policy has had some success in helping clean up drinking water supplies, but there are new reports of emerging contaminants linked to child development. Here’s what to know about some of the most common water contaminants linked to child health, along with information about how to filter them:
  • PFAS: According to Environmental Working Group scientists, the presence of Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in American drinking water is much wider spread than previously thought. Contamination of drinking water or ground water has been detected at almost 1,400 sites in 49 states. This large class of chemicals -- which includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) -- is added to a range of products and packaging. They are collectively referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and can last thousands of years. They can also build up in the human body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the blood of nearly all Americans is contaminated with PFAS. A new medical research study recently reported PFAS is altering hormonal and metabolic pathways needed for child growth and development.
  • Lead: The effects of lead contamination in water have become more well known since the crisis in Flint, Mich. became widely reported on in 2016. However, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are between 6 to 10 million lead service lines still use in the country. When pipes that contain lead corrode, lead can enter drinking water. Harmful to everyone, even minimal exposure can have a significant impact on children, and has been linked to nervous system damage, impaired hearing, learning disabilities and impaired blood cell function.
READ MORE: New study says homemade baby food is no safer than store bought
  • Microplastics: Microplastics are fragments of plastic pollution, which are harmful to water ecosystems and unhealthy to consume. Microplastics are found in both tap and bottled water and in a 2022 study, were noted to be found in human blood. While the health effects of microplastics are still largely unknown, they are emerging as a common drinking water contaminant to be aware of.
Some Solutions

To learn about the contaminants found in your drinking water, you can access the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database. No matter what you learn, it’s a good idea to filter your water.

Many home water filters only filter certain contaminants. It’s important to look for a water filter that removes chemicals including PFAS, heavy metals including lead, and that provides broader protection against emerging contaminants such as microplastics. One option is the pitcher filters and dispenser filters offered by LifeStraw, which remove not only lead, PFAS and microplastics, but also bacteria, parasites and a variety of emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals.

When it comes to child health, PFAS and lead contamination in drinking water is a concerning problem at the local and national level. Fortunately, household solutions exist to make water safer for individuals and families.

(StatePoint) 
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) caristo / iStock via Getty Images Plus


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Resume tips for job seekers with disabilities

    Some of the most important things to keep in mind

    For the most part, writing a resume as a disabled worker involves the same best practices as writing any type of resume. Some of the most important things to keep in mind include: read more »
  • Protect birds from window collisions

    Advice from NYS DEC

    Bird migration is ramping up. Each year, millions of birds are killed in window collisions in the US. read more »
  • Think your child might have asthma?

    Take these steps

    Does your child sometimes wheeze? Are they short of breath? If so, they may need to see a health care provider to determine if they have asthma. read more »
  • 3 ways to save the planet in your own backyard

    Real actions you can take at home and in your community

    “Think globally, act locally” is a motto that everyone should take to heart. It emphasizes the importance of real actions you can take at home and in your community, while stressing the fact that every creature on planet Earth is connected. read more »
  • Bring on dessert with better-for-you sweets

    3 recipes that add lots of healthy stuff with prunes

    If healthier eating holds a prominent spot on your list of goals, you may feel it’s necessary to eliminate some of your sweetest favorites. However, committing to a nutritionally friendly way of life doesn’t have to leave desserts by the wayside. read more »
  • Plant it for the planet

    Choose flowering plants for pollinators

    June is National Pollinators Month and June 16-22 is designated as “National Pollinator Week.” Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S Department of the Interior, read more »
  • How to control your asthma when outdoor air quality is bad

    Minimize your exposure to air pollutants

    Asthma, a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans, is often exacerbated by air pollution and the effects of climate change. read more »
  • Parenting toward positive environmental impact

    Involve your kids in your own sustainable habits

    Many of the lifelong habits children develop originate at home, and protecting the environment is no exception. Kids learn best by modeling the behaviors of the grownups in their lives, so leading by example and involving kids in your own sustainable habits is a simple way to start good habits young. read more »
  • What parents need to know about climate change and children’s health

    It’s not just speculation

    Excessive heat. Emerging diseases. Severe storms and off-season illnesses. The environmental hazards associated with climate change threaten the physical and mental health of children and families — and can be a source of anxiety. read more »
  • Breathe better with asthma, wherever you are

    Manage your triggers

    If you have asthma, you know that symptoms can come on quickly, and then worsen. The things that make them do that are called triggers. An important part of managing asthma is knowing your triggers at home, work, school, or while you’re outdoors. read more »