Facts about water pollutionWater parasites cryptosporidium, giardia, E coliFacts about water pollution as related to parasites in water follows. In addition to man made pollutants, our water supply also contains live parasites that can cause serious illness, even death. The municipal water supply has attempted to protect us with some success. Yet, these micro invaders still manage to infect our water, laying eggs which contain parasites that may be increasingly resistant to efforts to destroy them. At least 1/3 of gastrointestinal illnesses are caused by these parasites. In addition to the sometimes excruciating symptoms, they also cause roughly 1,000 deaths per year in the U.S. Many, many more worldwide. Three of these parasites are especially problematic & common, including cryptosporidium, giardia & E coli. Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium can lead to acute & chronic cramps, diarrhea, fever & vomiting. Water treatment technology cannot filter out crypto due to its small size (5 microns) & so it can easily slip into our water supply.What’s more, cryptosporidium is also resistant to the chlorine that is added to the water supply. This insidious parasite hatches its eggs in the digestive tract leading to at least a couple of weeks of physical misery. Not knowing the facts about water pollution in your particular locality can cause citywide tragedy. In 1993, Milwaukee residents suffered from cryptosporidium in the water supply. Approximately ½ million residents came down with crypto poisoning, with 104 persons dieing from poisoning. Normally, people infected with crypto recover in 1 - 2 weeks. However, it can be life threatening to people with compromised health or those with immune disorders. The effects of crypto water pollution can be managed by boiling water. A still easier way to avoid crypto poisoning is to filter water with a good quality water filter that can trap microbes less than 5 microbes in size. E Coli
E Coli is another parasite that can enter our systems through the water supply & take up residence in our bodies. When E Coli is present in water, it suggests fecal contamination of that water. Not as life threatening as crypto, E Coli can still cause painful symptoms including abdominal pain, bloody stool, inflammation, nausea, vomiting, cramping & fever. Boiling water or a good water filter should keep you safe from E Coli. Giardia lamblia
The parasitic protozoa, Giardia lamblia, is also chlorine resistant. It’s symptoms mimic those of colitis which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.Typical symptoms include cramps, diarrhea & nausea. Treatment with herbal or orthodox medication should clear up problem in 1 - 2 weeks. Here too, a good quality water filter should trap giardia. NOTE: One of the facts about water pollution filters is that they are not all equal. Read the specs to make sure that the filter does more than simply trap sediment & improve flavor. Ask seller for advice especially if you suspect that your water supply is suspect.
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