Every day we ingest small amounts of chemicals and radioactive substances, as well as industrial waste and pesticides that are mixed with water from rivers and dams and reach our houses. Some experts believe that if they are within prescribed limits, there is no risk. However, some cities suffered from the consumption of contaminated water and are now concerned about the health risk. See more information about the case.
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Elementary
These are the risks of piped water in 763 cities between 2018 and 2020, according to unpublished data collected by Brazilian journalists. Chemical and radioactive substances exceeded limits in 1 of the 4 cities tested. São Paulo (13 tests above the limit), Florianópolis (26) and Guarulhos (11).
Risk increases with the amount consumed
Therefore, if there is a substance that exceeds the maximum allowed value, we can say that the water is polluted. By analogy, when a food has passed its expiration date, we stop consuming it, right? It would be another way of saying that this water is not fit for consumption.
Research confirms that there are risks for people who drink water under these conditions, although this varies by substance. Also, the risk is higher for those who have drunk alcohol multiple times over the years.
This is the case of people who live in São Paulo, Florianópolis, Guarulhos and 79 other cities, where same substances were found in the three years analyzed (2018, 2019 and 2020) above the value limit.
Serious illnesses can develop
These products have a silent impact, unlike bacterial contamination, which can cause stomach aches, diarrhea and even cholera outbreaks. Symptoms of chemicals and radioactive substances can take years to manifest themselves, but when they do, they can take the form of a serious illness.
Research linking these products to cancer, genetic mutations and various other health problems has been printed by most respected health agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and regulators in the EU, US, Canada and Australia.
Thus, a survey created a map with the location of the most polluted waters and highlighted the health risks and economic activity of using each substance. For example, nitrates (recognized by the WHO as carcinogenic) are the third most limited substance and are used in the manufacture of fertilizers, preservatives, explosives and medicines.
