Nadia, K. (2019, April 30). Study estimates 15,000 cancer cases could stem from chemicals in California tap water. Retrieved July 12, 2019, from https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/30/health/water-quality-cancer-risk-california-study/index.html

A new study has prompted a unanimous concern in California’s tap water. It is estimated that the harsh and radioactive chemicals found in the public’s water systems could contribute to about 15,500 cancer cases. Although researchers have not yet identified which water systems are considered high risk, it is proven that 1 in 1,000 people have been diagnosed with cancer from drinking tap water. These contaminants include chemicals such as arsenic, hexavalent chromium, uranium, and radium. 

Over 45% of cancer cases are due to arsenic pollution in drinking water, arsenic contamination can result from industrial and agricultural exposure. Low amounts of arsenic could be considered highly carcinogenic. Nadia claims that this is where future researchers is needed, and provides simple steps to filter and reduce the exposure of these contaminants.

 

Obtaining clean and free of chemical water is hard nowadays because of industrial and agricultural exposure. Knowing the effects that they have on our environment is crucial for improvement in society. We need to find ways to reduce the harmful effects that occur when we industrialize and develop more agricultural products. Like it states above, “40% of cancer cases are due to arsenic pollution…” which is naturally found in earth’s crust, but can also be caused by us, and exposures that are harmful for water. I agree that the only way we can minimize the amount of contaminants that we drink by using filters and be aware of what contains in your tap water.