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By: Peter Kent As the modern technologies of production continue to grow, it is of now surprise that so does the list of potential contaminants. However, once these contaminants cause an increase of water and soil contamination, which may threaten the health and safety of individuals, it is time to become concerned.

There are many organizations, which have the authorization to assist in protections. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates contamination through the Clean Water Act (1972), the Safe Drinking Water Act (1974), among other laws and statutes. Nearly 90 different chemicals that are known pollutants of soil and water are regulated by the EPA, who has made a maximum contaminant level for these chemicals.

The Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List not only offers this information, but makes available materials for research and regulation as well. Part of the job of the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water is to ensure contaminants do not become intermixed with water and soil. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers guidelines regarding drinking water if an abnormally high risk of health ramifications (such the possibility of a compromised immune system) exists.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR) is an excellent resource for research, which has been done on hazardous substances and their proliferation. Research on healthy water and regulations is conducted and data is collected by the National Center for Environmental Assessment.

Most local water companies publish an annual drinking water quality report which is accessible online free of charge. If an individual has additional questions, state certified water testing laboratories can provide assistance. Water pollution is an invasive and ubiquitous concern. It can and does occur in many places. Wells and ground aquifers can be the home to plumes, defined as a fluid body of contamination flowing from a specific source. Humans are at risk through ingestion, dermal contact with or inhalation of hazardous substances. The latter can be from breathing the steam while using the water to wash, or from a combination of low water tables and volatile chemicals resulting in a concentration of chemical gas in basements, cellars or ground level floors.

According to the Children's Health Environmental Coalition, the following are potential water contaminants:

* Pathogens: Bacteria, parasites and viruses such as hepatitis and giardiasis. Most water is disinfected against biological contamination, however if one is concerned about parasites, it may be prudent to contact the local water company and make sure adequate measures are being taken to preserve health and safety.

* Heavy metals: For example, disposals in landfills, incineration and industrial use can cause mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium. Testing the water for lead is an especially important precaution as so many cities still use lead piping to distribute water and over 800 cities register water above the EPA's .15mg/l threshold for action.

* Non-metallic inorganics: Such as insecticides, nitrates and asbestos. These substances may enter the water supply through use in agriculture or the storage and distribution of water itself. One of the most susceptible units that are at risk for an array of harmful contaminants are private wells.

* Synthetic Organic Compounds: This is basically a catch-all for over 50,000 substances with widely varying solubility, volatility, vaporization and toxicity. They include additives to solvents, pesticides, plastics, cleaners and cosmetics.

* Radioactive substances: This can be caused by both man man and naturally occurring processes. Radon, strontium, uranium and radium are among the substances found. There is no federal law requiring testing for these elements, thus, again, it may be a responsible gesture to confirm that your local water company does an adequate comprehensive analysis.

* Chlorine and Trihalomethanes: Chlorine is added to water to disinfect it, as discussed above. Unfortunately, it also reacts with organic chemicals left in the water by soil and decaying vegetation, forming a group of chemicals called trihalomethanes (THM). THMs are carcinogens which are methane derivatives.

Clearly, there are many potential health hazards present in water, something that is seemingly innocuous, but should be carefully monitored.

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