The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires municipal water treatment operators to monitor coliform bacteria levels in the water, with the health standard being zero total coliform. However, private wells are not monitored by federal, state, or local authorities—the responsibility for well water safety lies in the homeowner’s hands. Testing your home’s well water for bacteria is the only reliable way to know if your water is safe, as most of the time you cannot tell by the look, taste, or smell of the water if it contains disease-causing organisms (pathogens).
Total coliform bacteria are found in the environment and feces of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. There are many types of coliform bacteria and while most don’t cause illness, their presence in your well water indicates that there could be harmful pathogens in your water supply.
There are three groups of coliform bacteria:
Water pollution caused by fecal contamination is a serious problem, due to the potential for contracting diseases from pathogens, such as some strain of E. coli. They can cause severe illness, with symptoms including severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible.
Coliform bacteria are called "indicator organisms" because their presence indicates a possibility of disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, being in the water. A positive coliform bacteria test does not necessarily mean your drinking water is unsafe, but it does mean that something is wrong.
So, how can you spot if coliform bacteria may have contaminated your well water? Look out for the following signs:
The best way to determine whether harmful pathogens are present in your well water is by testing for total coliform. Their presence or absence gives a general indication of the sanitary condition of your water supply.
The Health Metric Bacteria Test makes it easy to check your water supply for coliform contamination. The at-home test uses a EPA-approved method for screening well water for the presence of coliform bacteria. Simply fill the jar with water and wait 48 hours. If the water in the jar turns yellow, the test is positive for coliform bacteria. If it remains purple, the results are negative. More information on using the Health Metric bacteria test kit along with helpful testing tips can be found here.
The Health Metric bacteria test is a “presumptive” test, providing a simple a yes/no result. A positive indicates that your water supply is being contaminated somewhere in the well or plumbing system, so repairs or modifications may be required. In some cases, the source of contamination can only be controlled by an in-home treatment system. A water treatment professional may suggest a chlorine injection or UV disinfection system.
Boiling the water is advised until disinfection and retesting confirms that contamination has been eliminated. If necessary, your water can be tested by a lab to specifically check for the presence of harmful coliform strains.
The EPA and local water authorities recommend testing your well for bacteria at least once a year. If you’ve had maintenance or repairs made to your well, test to make sure the well has not been accidentally contaminated.
You should also test if:
For more information on how to test for a safe well water supply, contact us on support@health-metric.com.
The Health Metric Well Water Test Kit includes a coliform bacteria test plus seven other important water quality parameters to determine the quality of your water. The test kit allows you to test your well water and compare the results to official EPA standards. Find out more.
Total coliform is a large collection of different kinds of bacteria. Fecal coliform are types of total coliform that exist in feces, and E. coli is one of the subgroups of fecal coliform. Most bacteria tests (including the Health Metric Bacteria Test) are designed to test for the presence of total coliform bacteria.
If the test is positive, it is likely that E. coli or another type of fecal coliform is present in the water, and so the source should be analyzed further in a lab. If the coliform test result is negative, there is no coliform, E. coli or otherwise, in the water.
Coliform bacteria are naturally present in the environment, which makes it possible to accidentally contaminate a water sample and cause a false positive result.
Thoroughly wash your hands before starting the test. Do not open the jar until you are ready to take a water sample. Faucets can be contaminated with coliform bacteria, as it is common for faucets and aerators to get touched or splashed with water when dirty hands are being washed. A contaminated faucet can cause a false positive test for your water supply. Here’s how to avoid contamination:
Place the jar in a “warm” environment, out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is 68˚F–90˚F (20˚C–32˚C). Leave the jar undisturbed for 48 hours. If coliform bacteria are present, they will undergo rapid growth, causing the liquid to change from purple to completely yellow within 48 hours.
After 48 hours, view the jar under normal lighting. Do not shine a light through the jar to see the color as this can change the hue. If the liquid is purple or pinkish, the test is negative. This means you do not have coliform bacteria in water. If the liquid is completely yellow throughout the entire jar, the result is positive (the test is very sensitive and will turn completely yellow in under 48 hours if coliform is present).
Discard the test after 48 hours. If the jar is kept longer than 48 hours, the nutrients in the test will decompose and cause a yellow color to appear within several days. This is not a positive result! You should discard the test after 48 hours.
If you have any questions or need help interpreting a test result, please contact our US-based tech support at support@health-metric.com.
EPA-approved testing method for testing coliform bacteria in water
Wells and other private drinking water sources can easily become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, putting you and your family at risk of illness.
This test kit allows you to test any water source and compare the results to official EPA standards. Within 48 hours, you can find out if your drinking water contains coliform bacteria or not and act accordingly. Find out more.
]]>pH is the measure of acidity in your water supply. Water with a pH of below seven is acidic, and water with a pH of greater than seven is called basic. A pH of seven is considered neutral. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the acceptable pH range for drinking water is 6.5 - 8.5 pH. Acidic water has a bitter, metallic taste and can erode copper pipes and plumbing fixtures. The main problem with pH is the damage caused by acidic water. Low pH-related problems are often due to low alkalinity levels.
Correcting acidic tap water
If your water’s pH level is too low, it can be corrected with a whole house acid-neutralizing filter. This ensures that incoming water passes through a canister of pH-adjusting media that neutralizes the acid, increases the alkalinity and raises the pH to a safe level.
Alkalinity is the measure of bicarbonate and carbonate minerals in the water. Although these minerals do not pose a concern to your health, they are vital to prevent acidic water. Alkalinity neutralizes acids and stabilizes pH. Low alkalinity is often associated with acidic water. The main alkalinity concern is not having enough to keep the pH level in the recommended range. Although the recommended alkalinity level is 75 mg/l to 150 mg/l, it is normal for the level to be higher; your water treatment authority may increase the alkalinity to ensure that the water stays in the suggested pH and alkalinity range to prevent corrosion.
Water hardness is the amount of calcium and magnesium that is dissolved in the water. Water with a low amount of minerals is considered soft. Hard water contains a large amount of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not a health concern; however, hard water can cause problems around the home. Hard water leaves mineral spots on glassware and glass shower doors and can also make haircare products and detergents less effective.
When hard water is heated in a water heater, dishwasher, or coffee maker, the minerals form a solid calcium carbonate crust on the heating element. This reduces both the lifespan and efficiency of appliances. Hard water is the leading cause of premature water heater failure. The ideal water hardness level is 10 mg/l to 100 mg/l, although most water supplies are much higher.
Correcting hard water problems
If you have hard water and experience any of these problems, a water softener could be beneficial. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium, which creates soft water at every faucet in your home. Skin and hair will feel silky smooth, and bathtubs and showers will stay cleaner for longer.
Chlorine disinfectants (chlorine and chloramine) are used in most municipal water supplies and private wells. Chlorine disinfectants are added to prevent bacteria, algae, fungi, and parasites from contaminating drinking water. While the goal is to provide safe drinking water, chlorine can affect the taste and odor of your water. The EPA’s recommended maximum residual chlorine disinfectant level is 4.0 mg/l. Many people find the taste and odor of chlorine unpleasant. It affects water used in cooking, drinking, bathing, and for your pets. Chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic substances in the water and forms carcinogenic compounds called trihalomethanes (THMs). Long-term exposure to these harmful disinfection byproducts has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and problems during childbirth. It is estimated that THMs cause 2 % to 17 % of bladder cancer diagnoses annually in the United States.
Removing chlorine from tap water and showers
Chlorine and disinfection byproducts can be removed using either a whole house activated carbon filter system or a high-quality activated carbon faucet filter. A well-designed water filter pitcher will also remove the taste, odor, and THM problems caused by chlorinated water. Showerhead filters will remove chlorine and prevent eye and nose irritation during your shower.
Nitrate and nitrite are nitrogen compounds that are carried by rain through the soil into the water supply. Nitrate contamination in groundwater is caused by the over-use of chemical fertilizers and improperly managed animal pastures and holding areas. A malfunctioning septic system can also be a source of contamination.
Nitrate and health risks
There are several health risks that are associated with elevated nitrate / nitrite levels in drinking water. Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the stomach. Nitrite prevents blood from carrying oxygen to tissues and organs. It is especially important to avoid drinking nitrate-contaminated water while pregnant or nursing, and children and pets should not drink water with high levels of nitrate or nitrite. The EPA has set maximum levels of 10 mg/l of nitrate and 1.0 mg/l for nitrite for public drinking water sources.
Removing nitrate from drinking water
If your water supply contains nitrate or nitrite, a reverse osmosis filter will purify the water. Using bottled spring water or reverse osmosis water from a kiosk is another alternative for nitrate-free water.
Decades ago, lead was used in pesticides, which allowed it to enter the water supply. Nowadays, the main source of lead contamination is lead service lines, plumbing, faucets, and well pumps. Because of this, lead is a concern for all homes, regardless of whether the water supply comes from municipal water or a private well. Lead from leaded solder or pipes enters the water through corrosion. Lead can also come from metal faucets that contain chrome-plated brass, which often contains lead impurities.
Health risks of lead contamination
The consumption of lead is linked to a higher risk of cancer, kidney disease, stroke, memory loss, and high blood pressure. Pregnant women and children are at a greater risk, as rapidly growing bodies absorb lead faster than adults. Lead has also been linked to premature births and reduced birth weight.
Exposure to lead later in life can result in seizures, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. The EPA set the maximum allowable concentration of lead in public drinking water at 15 parts per billion (ppb). To ensure your water does not contain a lead level that is above the maximum allowed level, you can use a lead water test kit (such as the one included in the Health Metric Drinking Water Test Kit) or send a sample to a lab for analysis.
Removing lead from drinking water
If your water contains lead, it can be removed using a reverse osmosis system or a special lead-removing filter.
Copper is essential for plants and animals. In trace amounts, it is completely safe. However, at higher levels, copper can be harmful. Copper is found in many water supplies because home plumbing uses copper pipes and fittings. Corrosive tap water could cause blue or green stains in sinks and bathtubs. Water absorbs copper from plumbing materials, such as pipes, fittings, and brass faucets. The amount of copper in your water depends on the type and amount of minerals in the water and the pH level.
Health effects of excessive copper
An excessive copper intake can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea and has been linked to liver damage and kidney disease. Pregnant women and children under one year old are especially vulnerable to copper. The EPA maximum copper standard for drinking water is 1.3 ppm.
Removing copper from tap water
Copper accumulates in water when it sits in the copper plumbing overnight. To remove it, allow the water to flow through the faucet for a minute before using it for drinking and cooking. It may be necessary to install a reverse osmosis system if your water has a high copper level.
Coliform bacteria are naturally present in soil, as well as the water and feces of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Most types of coliform are harmless. Certain strains of coliform, such as those found in human and animal waste, are harmful. E. coli is a type of fecal coliform that lives in the intestines of people and animals. The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water is unacceptable and suggests fecal coliform contamination of the water supply.
Health effects of coliform bacteria
Drinking water that is contaminated with coliform bacteria will not necessarily result in illness. Many coliform bacteria are harmless to humans. If disease-causing bacteria strains are present, the common symptoms can mild, such as an upset stomach. However, they can also cause severe symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible.
What to do if the coliform test is positive
A positive coliform bacteria test does not necessarily mean that your drinking water contains E. coli; the presence of coliform bacteria means that bacteria from a septic system or another source is entering your water supply. It is also possible that the test was contaminated when the water sample was taken. Faucet aerators are often splashed when washing dirty hands and other household items in the sink. Touching the aerator can also transfer coliform from the hand to the faucet.
If the test is positive, you may want to take another test. Wipe the faucet aerator with alcohol, wait for five minutes, and then run the faucet for 30 seconds before taking a freshwater sample. A positive test result means that your water supply is being contaminated in the well or plumbing system, and repairs or modifications may be required. Boiling the water is advised until disinfection and retesting can confirm that the water is no longer contaminated. If necessary, your water can be tested by a lab to specifically check for the presence of harmful coliform strains.
If you have any questions or would like help interpreting a test result, visit our support page or contact our US-based tech support at support@health-metric.com.
The water you drink from a tap, well, or any other source could be contaminated without anyone knowing. To make sure your water doesn’t cause you health or plumbing problems, it needs to be tested frequently for contaminants.
With this kit, you can screen your water for the 9 crucial parameters outlined by the EPA, and see exactly how safe you are from the potential dangers. Find out more.
TDS or Total Dissolved Solids is the sum of all the chemical ions dissolved in the water. These substances are not necessarily "bad" chemicals. They're mostly minerals and salts in your pond. The TDS level is influenced primarily by the water source used to fill the pond. Some backyard ponds will have naturally high TDS levels while others will be low, depending on the water source.
Most people refill their pond as water evaporates. When water evaporates, it leaves behind all the salts, minerals and pollutants. Over time these substances become more concentrated in the water, causing a rise in TDS level. The TDS in your pond will also increase due to surface water entering the pond, fish waste, plant fertilizers and leaching from the soil in potted aquatic plants. Therefore, it is important to monitor TDS in your pond, watching for significant increases over time that might indicate accumulating salts, minerals, nutrients and declining water quality.
How do I measure TDS in my pond?
The easiest way to measure TDS in your pond is to use a TDS meter. The Health Metric TDS meter is a simple and inexpensive device that is perfect for pond water testing. Just take a water sample from the pond, place the meter’s probe into the sample and gently swirl. The digital display will stabilize in a moment, indicating the TDS level.
What is a good TDS level?
TDS is neither good nor bad unless it is compared to the desired level. If the tap water used to fill your pond has a TDS level around 200 ppm and your pond has a TDS level of 1000 ppm, it indicates a build-up of dissolved substances in the pond water. The cause of the increasing TDS is most likely a build-up of minerals and algae-promoting nutrients like phosphate. Addition of salt to the pond will also raise the TDS since salt does not evaporate with the water. The rise in TDS, relative to a baseline TDS, indicates that a water change is probably due.
Why do I need to change the water in my pond?
Unlike large, natural ponds and lakes, our garden ponds have an artificially high level of fish and plants. Splashing waterfalls and fountains accelerate evaporation, resulting in an ever-increasing level of dissolved substances in the water. Partial water changes dilute wastes and algae-promoting nutrients and bring the TDS level back down to baseline levels.
Final recommendations
Measuring TDS in koi ponds and water gardens is a “tool” for monitoring the condition of the water in terms of accumulating dissolved minerals, salts, algae-promoting nutrients, and other substances. However, a TDS measurement is not a substitute for testing kits like ammonia, pH or nitrite. Likewise, these individual parameter test kits cannot measure the accumulation of dissolved substances in the pond water.
Experienced pond-keepers and professional biologists measure TDS on a monthly basis (or even more frequently sometimes). Ideally, you’ll have water quality logbook or pond diary that documents water quality tests throughout the year. Record keeping is easy and will show trends in water quality and the appearance of your pond throughout the year including water clarity, plant growth, lily blooms and more!
P.S. If you are looking for a reliable TDS and EC meter to monitor TDS levels in your pond, check out our new easy to use digital TDS Meter.
]]>We all are concerned about the safety of the water we drink. Our pets, like us, need safe drinking water to live a happy, healthy life. Our pets should be given the same high quality water that we drink. Heavy metal contamination of drinking water is bad for humans and our pets. Dogs, cats, and birds can be harmed by drinking water with heavy metals like lead and copper. Lead poisoning, for example, is caused through acute and long-term exposure to the metal. Lead can substitute itself for calcium in animal bones, cause cell damage and interfere with normal biological cell activity.
Because of their high toxicity, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury are among the metals of most concern. These metals are systemic toxicants that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout your pet’s body. These metals damage vital organs, even at trace levels of exposure. They are also classified as carcinogens according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in dogs, cats and birds
These symptoms of lead poisoning relate to the gastrointestinal and central nervous system. Gastrointestinal disorders are seen with chronic and low-level exposure. Central nervous system symptoms are more common in acute lead exposure, especially in young animals. Common symptoms include:
Birds can show paralysis of the feet, drinking too much and intermittent convulsions. Birds can appear uncoordinated and weak. Lead poisoning in birds is often fatal. Heavy metals in general will weaken your bird’s immune system. This can lead to other diseases unrelated to heavy metals.
Prevention of heavy metal poisoning of pets
If your pet is already showing any of these signs, visit a veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination. Laboratory tests for blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis will reveal information for initial diagnosis. The best way to keep your pets safe is to minimize exposure to heavy metals.
Improperly glazed ceramic water bowls are a common source of heavy metal contamination. Avoid metal bird toys since they can may contain toxic metals.
Make sure your pet’s drinking water is safe. You can use the heavy metals test kit from Health Metric to be sure your water is free of toxic heavy metals.
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Potential for human exposure
The primary health impacts from chromium are damage to the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and immunological systems, as well as reproductive and developmental problems. Chromium is a known human carcinogen, and depending on the exposure route, can increase the rate of various types of cancers. Research showed an increase in stomach tumors in humans and animals exposed to chromium in drinking water. Accidental ingestion of extremely high doses of chromium by humans caused severe respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and neurological effects ultimately leading to death or in patients who survived because of medical treatment.
Protecting against chromium
Because chromium occurs in the soil, air and in well and municipal water supplies across the United States, limiting exposure is the best defense.
Avoiding contaminated water is possible with the Health Metric heavy metals test. The test is easy to use and will alert you to heavy metal contamination in your water supply. If heavy metals are detected you have the option of filtering your water with a reverse osmosis filtration system or buying bottled water. Be sure to test your water filter to make sure it is functioning properly. You can also use the Health metric heavy metals test on bottled water to make sure it has been properly filtered.
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Cadmium does not corrode easily, so it works well in batteries (its primary use), manufacturing of alloys, pigments. Also used as a coating for steel and copper, as an additive in plastics and in solar panels. Cadmium can leach into ground water from landfills, illegal dumping and industrial manufacturing processes. Cadmium can also leach into drinking water from galvanized pipes.
Potential for Human Exposure
Exposure to cadmium includes cigarette smoke, eating foods high in cadmium and contaminated drinking water.
Cadmium in Food
Cadmium occurs naturally in many foods because it is present in the soil and water. Cadmium levels in most U.S. foods are between 2 and 40 parts per billion (2-40ppb). Fruits and beverages contain the least amount of cadmium, while leafy vegetables and raw potatoes grown in contaminated soils with high levels of cadmium contain the most. Shellfish, liver, and kidney meats are also high in cadmium.
It's estimated that of the 30 micrograms (mcg -- millionths of a gram) of cadmium the average person ingests daily, 1-3 mcg is retained by the body.
Cadmium in Cigarette Smoke
A single cigarette typically contains 1-2 mcg of cadmium. When burned, cadmium is present at a level of 1,000-3,000 ppb in the smoke. Approximately 40 to 60 percent of the cadmium inhaled from cigarette smoke is able to pass through the lungs and into the body. This means that for each pack of cigarettes smoked, a person can absorb an additional 1-3 mcg of cadmium over what is taken in from other sources in their daily life.
Smokers typically have twice as much cadmium in their bodies as non-smokers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that a safe level of cadmium in drinking water is 5 ppb or less. The EPA believes that this level of exposure to cadmium will not produce any of the health problems associated with cadmium.
Health Effects
Cadmium causes kidney, blood, and bone damage in humans and numerous effects in laboratory animals including liver necrosis, kidney damage, decreased bone calcium, peripheral neuropathy, testicular damage, and impaired neurobehavioral development. Cadmium compounds are classified as human carcinogens by several regulatory agencies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. National Toxicology Program have concluded that there is adequate evidence that cadmium is a human carcinogen. General non-cancer symptoms of acute exposure include:
Protecting against Cadmium
The best way to protect against cadmium exposure is to avoid sources of cadmium. Since cadmium can enter the water supply naturally or through man-made activities it is important to test your water sources.
Testing
The Health Metric heavy metals test is easy to use and will alert you to heavy metal contamination in your home or workplace water supply. If heavy metals are detected you have the option of filtering your water with a reverse osmosis filtration system or buying bottled water. Be sure to test your water filter to make sure it is functioning properly.
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It is estimated that several million people are chronically exposed to arsenic throughout the world. Arsenic contamination has been identified at 781 hazardous waste sites by the U.S. EPA.
Recent reports of large populations in 11 countries that have been exposed to arsenic in their drinking water are displaying various health conditions including cardiovascular and disease, developmental abnormalities, neurologic and behavioral disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, and cancer. Arsenic exposure affects the organ systems including the cardiovascular, dermatologic, nervous, renal, gastro-intestinal, and respiratory systems. Research has also shown significantly higher mortality rates for cancers of the bladder, kidney, skin, and liver. Arsenic has been detected in well and municipal water supplies in the US. Non-cancerous health problems include:
Protecting against arsenic
Arsenic has been found in well and municipal water supplies across the United States. The Health Metric Heavy Metals test is easy to use and will alert you to heavy metal contamination in your home or workplace water supply. If heavy metals are detected you have the option of filtering your water with a reverse osmosis filtration system or buying bottled water.
Be sure to test your water filter to make sure it is functioning properly. You can also use the Health Metric Heavy Metals test on bottled water to make sure it has been properly filtered.
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Potential for human exposure
Lead can enter drinking water when service pipes that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures with lead solder, from which significant amounts of lead can enter into the water, especially hot water. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder.
Adults absorb 35 to 50% of lead through drinking water and the absorption rate for children may be greater than 50%. Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. A dose of lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.
Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in:
Lead contamination in drinking water is of special concern to pregnant women! Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium. During pregnancy, lead is released from bones as maternal calcium and is used to help form the bones of the baby. This is particularly true if a woman does not have enough dietary calcium. Lead can also cross the placental barrier exposing the baby to lead. This can result in serious effects to the mother and her developing child, including:
Protecting against lead
Homes may have internal plumbing materials containing lead. The more time water has been sitting in your home's pipes, the more lead it may contain. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead. Run cold water until it becomes as cold as it can get. Boiling the water will not get rid of lead contamination.
You cannot see, taste, or smell lead dissolved in water. The US Environmental Protection Agency states that testing is the only sure way of telling whether there are harmful quantities of lead in your drinking water. Avoiding contaminated water is possible with the Health Metric heavy metals test.
The test is easy to use and will let you know if your water contains harmful levels of lead, copper, iron and mercury. If heavy metals are detected you have the option of filtering your water with a reverse osmosis filtration system or buying bottled water. Be sure to test your water filter to make sure it is functioning properly. You can also use the Health metric heavy metals test on bottled water to make sure it has been properly filtered.
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Acute heavy metal poisoning
Acute heavy metal poisoning usually occurs when a person is exposed to large amounts of a metal all at one time. For example, swallowing a lead toy can cause a large amount of lead to be absorbed all at once. A worker may be exposed during an industrial spill. Acute exposures are dangerous and can quickly result in serious health effects or even death.
Long-term heavy metal poisoning
There is growing evidence that long-term or “chronic” exposure to low levels of heavy metals causes health problems. One of the ways we are exposed to metals is through our drinking water. We drink, cook and bathe in water that could be contaminated! Symptoms of chronic heavy metal poisoning can be severe, but usually develop much more slowly over time compared to symptoms caused by acute exposure. There are many health problems caused by long-term exposure and ingestion of heavy metals. Each metal has a different target organ and effect. Generally speaking heavy metal poisoning causes these symptoms:
Protecting your health
Diagnosing heavy metal poisoning is complicated and must be performed by medical professionals. Limiting your exposure to heavy metals is in your hands. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family is by avoiding contaminated drinking water. Your water supply, pipes and plumbing fixtures could be releasing heavy metals into your water. The Health Metric heavy metals test is easy to use and will alert you to heavy metal contamination.
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