Drinking contaminated water can cause many different health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues. The United Nations has declared that access to safe water should be considered a basic human right. In this article, we’ll explain why you should be cautious about using or drinking any kind of contaminated water by talking about the various health risks associated with it.
#1 Cancer
If the Camp Lejeune incident taught us anything, it’s that contaminated water can lead to cancer. The incident took place decades ago when contaminants found their way into the local water source of the area. Years later, it was seen that many people living in that area developed cancer. The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is an ongoing legal battle that seeks justice and compensation for all the Camp Lejeune victims. For us, the incident is a grave reminder that contaminated water is also a cause of cancer.
Cancer is caused by mutations in DNA. These mutations can be caused by radiation, chemicals, and viruses. Sometimes, the cause is water that was contaminated with pollutants like heavy metals or pesticides, which then entered your body through drinking contaminated water or absorbing it through skin contact.
Drinking contaminated water can lead to cancer later on, even if you don’t have any symptoms yet. That’s because some types of contamination are not even visible without scientific testing equipment.
#2 Diarrhea
The most common symptom of drinking contaminated water is diarrhea. This can be either mild or severe, depending on the contaminant. Diarrhea can be caused by several factors, including bacteria and viruses that live in the human body, parasites that cause gastrointestinal disease, and toxins from plants like wild radish.
If you have diarrhea due to contaminated water, it’s important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol or sugary drinks). Hot tea with lemon has been shown to help relieve symptoms when taken regularly over time. Other options include ginger ale or apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water.
If you’re concerned about dehydration as well as loss of appetite due to gastroenteritis (inflammation of your gut) caused by bacteria such as E Coli or Salmonella, consider taking probiotics. These are healthy bacteria found naturally in yogurt but are also available as pills that can improve digestion while fortifying immunity and reducing inflammation.
#3 Indigestion
Indigestion is a common problem, and it can be caused by eating too fast, eating too much, or eating the wrong foods. When you drink contaminated water that contains microorganisms like bacteria and protozoa (single-celled parasites), they can enter your body through your digestive tract. In particular, some of these organisms might get into the pancreas, where they release chemicals that cause indigestion and other digestive problems such as heartburn or gas pains.
#4 Reproductive Problems
Your reproductive health is at risk if you consume contaminated water. If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, the last thing you want to do is damage your baby’s developing reproductive organs.
There are several ways that contaminated water can affect the development of a fetus. The CDC says that an estimated 25% of all birth defects can be attributed to environmental factors. Drinking and using contaminated water can lead to an increased risk of birth defects such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), cleft lip, club foot, and urinary tract problems in newborns.
Environmental contaminants like mercury can hamper sperm production in men, leading to infertility or even complete sterility. In both animals and humans exposed long-term, chronic exposure has been shown to cause permanent damage or death from severe poisoning over time.
#5 Nausea and Fatigue
Drinking or using contaminated water may cause nausea and fatigue in some people. You should be aware that there are many possible causes of these symptoms, including several diseases. So, you should seek medical attention if you experience them after drinking or using contaminated water.
Symptoms of nausea include stomach pain, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Fatigue is characterized by extreme tiredness and impaired concentration. If you have any symptoms associated with nausea or fatigue after consuming contaminated water, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
#6 Liver and Kidney Damage
The liver and kidneys are the organs that filter toxins from your body. They do this by filtering blood and removing harmful substances. If you drink or use contaminated water, these poisons will be filtered into your system. This could cause damage to the liver and kidneys, which can lead to permanent health problems such as kidney failure or even death.
It is vital to be aware of these dangers, especially when traveling to an area with a poor water supply. You should always try to avoid drinking or using contaminated water. If you have no choice but to use it (such as in an emergency), ensure you thoroughly wash your hands and any utensils after doing so.
