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Negative Consequences of Metals in the Water

Some metals occur naturally in water as it filters through rocks. Nonetheless, certain human activities, such as mining, agriculture, and waste disposal can lead to unsafe levels of both natural and toxic metals. The Environmental Protection Agency determines a maximum contaminant level, or MCL, for many common metals. Metals surpassing this limit in water can have severe negative consequences on both a person's health and the environment.

  1. Symptoms of Discomfort

    • In low doses, many metals cause various symptoms of discomfort. Antimony, used as a flame retardant, can cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea if consumed. Chromium is known to enter the water supply through discharges from steel and pulp mills. In small doses, it can cause allergic dermatitis. The early signs of lead poisoning include a general decrease in physical fitness, as well as fatigue, constipation, decreased appetite and abdominal pains. You should have water tested if it causes any signs of discomfort.

    Permanent Damage

    • Nearly all metals, if consumed in large enough amounts, cause permanent damage to the health of the body. Most of them lead to death if consumption of toxic water continues. Excessive copper, often resulting from the deterioration of copper piping, leads to liver damage, renal failure and anemia. Too much cadmium can cause bone defects, such as osteoporosis. Unsafe levels of barium lead to the damage of blood vessels, as well as heart failure.

    Cancer

    • Many metals are known carcinogens. Long-term exposure of these metals in drinking water significantly increases the likelihood of cancer. Cadmium, consistently taken into the body, eventually leads to obstructive lung damage and often lung cancer. Antimony is suspected to be a carcinogen. To prevent increasing the probability of experiencing cancer from metals in water, take note of any discomfort or bodily harm thought to be associated with your drinking water; take quick action to test for the substances present.

    Environmental Damage

    • Mining, landfills, and other waste disposal efforts can produce unsafe levels of metals in the water, which can produce significant harm to an ecological system. As contaminated water travels through the watershed, whether underground or in a river, it can kill and hinder the growth of plants it encounters. Fish and other animals that drink the water can experience nerve damage or other developmental concerns. Often, these metals settle in wetlands. It can take many years for an ecosystem to recover from the damage caused by metals in water.

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