Chemicals and Industrial Runoff

In both rural and urban environments, water quality can be significantly impacted by the intentional and unintentional introduction of man made chemicals

The Problems That Stem From Chemicals and Industrial Waste

The modern industrial world has and continues to produce a myriad of potential contaminants all across the world. Everything from farming, to mass production, to chemical plants all produce harmful byproducts. These things are generally regulated and are never intended to pollute local environments, but those regulations and intentions often fall short.

Unfortunately, we often don't know the extent or severity of damage these chemicals can cause until it's too late. The hazards and medical damage caused as a result of contamination are sometimes not even identified, let alone treated, until years after contamination has become significant.

There are an incredible number of potential contaminants but some are more prevalent and abundant in our region than others.

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Dangerous Chemicals:

Arsenic

Arsenic is a natural element that can combine with other elements to create dangerous compounds. Events like mining or industrial digging can be the catalyst for these combinations. Water and contaminated soil are the places where inorganic arsenic are commonly found.

Symptoms of consumption range from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to dehydration and shock. Long-term exposure is associated with certain medical conditions including skin disorders, an increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer.
DBPs and THMs

Disinfection By-Products, the most common of which are trihalomethanes, are generally the unintended effect of chemicals like Chlorine mixing with other natural elements. Although Chlorine can be effective for disinfection, it is generally recommended that you have an additional process for removing the chlorine after disinfection.

DBPs and THMs are present in many water systems because of how commonly used the disinfection methods are. These harmful chemicals are responsible for many immune and nervous system diseases, but are primarily known for being a prominent carcinogen.
PFOA

PFOA is another persistent chemical compound, once used frequently in industrial settings that has now become defunct. Although it is not produced at the volume or frequency that it once was, it remains present in ground soil and water in more industrial areas.

Exposure generally occurs from consuming contaminated water. Most health concerns here are related to fertility and early development, which can all be negatively impacted.

Industrial/Agricultural Waste:

PFAS

These chemicals are famously known for being the magic compound behind things like non-stick pans. They've recently become more prominent in the public consciousness because of their incredibly resilient chemical makeup and presence in almost everything from food to water. They've even been nicknamed the "Forever Chemicals."

These chemicals are relatively new compared to many others we're familiar with, which means there is a lot of uncharted territory. These kinds of chemicals end up being quite difficult to treat as well. As of now, an R.O. is one of the only effective methods of purification. Chemicals in days past with similar qualities are known to be cancerous.
BPAs (Bisphenol A)

Another compound frequently used in the production and manufacturing of plastics, the long term effects are unclear, but these chemicals have been closely associated with fertility and birth issues in many cases.
Pesticides (Chlordane and Heptachlor)

Because pesticides are used so widely, some form of pesticide can be found in most food products and water reservoirs. These issues are naturally more concerning for groundwater near areas where pesticides are frequently used.

Health concerns include a variety of minor issues mostly relating to liver damage, but have also proven to be carcinogens over longer periods of exposure. Carbon Filters are considered to be one of the more effective treatment methods for most pesticides.

The Solution to Chemicals:

Carbon Filter and R.O.

Although Chlorination is also an effective form of disinfection, we generally recommend other methods, since over exposure to chlorine can become an issue of its own. For many of the issues listed above we'd recommend (both or either) a Reverse Osmosis and Carbon Filter.

These two systems effectively treat many different chemical contaminants separately and together they are incredibly effective. R.O. Systems are very effective on their own and are the most effective treatment for things like PFAS. On the other hand, Carbon Filters are the best solutions for other chemical agents including most pesticides.

To learn more about these systems, your existing water conditions, and other treatment methods, feel free to contact us today. Hurricane Home Solutions services a majority of NY state and PA.

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