Archive for October, 2010

How Can Parents of Newborns Protect their Babies from Toxins in Drinking Water?

Being a parent is a huge responsibility, but it is one of the most rewarding things we can do in our lifetime. Toxins in drinking water are a primary concern for many parents. They don’t want to expose their newborns to dangerous substances in the water. Drinking plain water isn’t something that is typical of infants. Yet when you prepare juice, cereal, or formula you will need to use tap water.

One of the most common contaminants in drinking water that can pose a threat to newborns is lead. It isn’t always possible for a woman to offer breast milk or to buy ready-made formula. When the powder type has to be used, then it is essential for quality drinking water that is free from toxins to be used to mix it. If there is lead contamination in your drinking water, that poses a threat to the health of your infant when you use that water to prepare her formula.

Don’t assume that bottled water is the way to go, either. Many parents use it for mixing baby formula. Unfortunately, the marketing of bottled water gives us the false impression that it is pure. However, independent testing frequently shows bottled water contains the same contaminants as can be found in tap water.

One way that parents of newborns can protect their child from toxins in drinking water is to boil it. This should be done in a pot for at least 20 minutes before mixing it with the formula. Make sure that the water has cooled before giving the baby the formula. You never want to risk the baby being burned.

A baby needs to maintain a healthy immune system so it can thrive. As a child gets older, he or she will consume more formula. That means more water will be consumed, so it has to be purified. The exposure to various chemicals that might be in your tap water can significantly reduce the chances of them developing healthy teeth and gums.

Many children are diagnosed with serious health problems while in infancy. There are studies that indicate that these problems could be due to toxins in drinking water. There isn’t a parent in the world that wants to see such an outcome for their children. Increased numbers of infants are being diagnosed with heart problems, circulatory problems, central nervous system disorders, and even cancer so we all need to take extra precautions.

Do everything you can to prevent toxins in drinking water from affecting your newborn. Your entire family can be adversely affected due to various toxins in drinking water. A home filtering system is essential in order for you to be able to ensure that such forms of contamination cannot adversely affect anyone in your family.

Such a filtering system can remove from 90% to 99% of the contaminants in the tap water. If you want to be extra cautious, you can use a reliable water filter system and boil the water. Do all within your power to give your baby a great start for a healthy life. The quality of the water you give to your infant can have a significant impact, giving that child a good start on a happy and productive life.

Are Your Denim Jeans a Water Contamination Threat to the Environment?

Denim jeans have long been a staple for many people’s wardrobe. However, could they be a water contamination threat? They certainly can be and that is a problem in many areas. For instance, lack of proper water treatment and the dyes used in coloring jeans are a concern as far as water quality.

The issue is more of a concern in some third-world countries. They don’t have the same resources for water treatment as other developed countries. However, much of the production of denim jeans often takes place in those third-world countries. Manufacturers find that they are able to get the labor done for less money by outsourcing However, the risks of this being a water contamination threat have caught the attention of many government officials around the world.

Other issues that lead to water contamination threats through the making of denim jeans have been identified. For example, the various types of dyes that are used to give them different shades of color can create a problem. There are also acid-washed jeans that are very stylish but they certainly introduce a variety of harmful chemicals to the water of the community near the facility that makes the jeans.

In response to this, the manufacturers are looking at some alternatives. They certainly don’t want to halt the production of denim jeans. There is a huge demand for them and that is a great money-making endeavor for them to be involved with.

For one thing, they are looking at alternative methods for how they grow the materials to make denim jeans. For example, the use of organic cotton is one possibility. Yet it is also one that will increase the cost of the jeans you buy. The process for growing anything organically means that no chemicals are used. Therefore, runoff from the crops can’t pollute the waterways. This process is more labor intensive and so it increases the overall costs relating to production efforts.

Another option is to look at recycling old denim. This could cut down on the amount of water used to create new denim jeans. It can also help to reduce the amount of contamination that occurs in our waterways in order to get the products that people are after. While you may love the look and feel of your denim jeans and other garments, the fact is that they are harsh for the environment.

Some of the companies that manufacture denim jeans are working to find good alternatives. They want to offer customers the same quality and look with the jeans that they have in the past. However, they are exploring the use of products that are eco-friendly in place of harmful chemicals.

Denim jean manufacturers have been identified as one of the water contamination threats out there. It is up to all of us to make positive changes that will help the environment. This may be one change you need to make when it comes to the clothing you wear. With more than 520 million pairs of denim jeans sold annually in the United States, you can see how the issue of a water contamination threat needs to be closely examined.

How Can I Use Government Reporting Information About Local Water Quality?

It is important to know the quality of your tap water. We use water throughout the day for many different things. If we do not have pure, clean water, that could result in some serious consequences. Many people use their tap water without thinking about its quality. It is used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning.

How can we know the quality of our tap water? Community water systems are required by law to produce an annual water quality report for the people they serve. This report is called the Consumer Confidence Report or CCR. This report includes almost everything you need to know regarding your tap water, such as where the water is from, types of contaminants that are found in the water, levels of these contaminants found in the water, and how these factors could affect your health.

Not all public water systems are required to furnish this annual report. If your water provider is not a community water system, then they are exempt from this requirement. That does not mean that you cannot know more about the quality of your water. You can still call your non-community water system to find out more about your water. You have a right to know what is in the water you drink, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Sometimes, the CCR report is only available to those who receive the actual water bill. Because of this, many renters do not get to see this information. If you are in such a situation, you can still find this information. It is likely that the CCR is available in other forms, such as online or in a newspaper or posted in a public area like the cafeteria or the lunch room of a public facility. The water provider can also include you in the mailing list of CCRs by request. Apartment buildings, nursing homes, schools, and private businesses can receive CCRs in their main office. Because of this, you can get a copy of this report when it is sent to them. It is just a matter of knowing who to ask.

By knowing the water quality of your tap water, you have a thorough understanding of what you are taking into your body. You can carefully assess if you want to subject yourself to the level of contamination that is in the tap water of your community. Knowing more about your water can also help you decide what the best purification solution is for you.

No water purification system can deal with all the contaminants in our environment, so the best thing you can do is to choose a system that effectively deals with the specific contaminants found in your water. If your water has too much fluoride, then find a water purifying system that can combat fluoride. If it has too much pesticide residue, then find a system that deals with this specifically. There are also systems available that are great in dealing with the unpleasant tastes and smells in water.

After you read your CCR, take a look at the water filter systems provided by Aquasana. They have a wide range and variety of filters that can deal with different water quality issues. By trusting your water quality to Aquasana, you will have the best water possible at a price you can afford.

How Should You Plan for Healthy Drinking Water During Pregnancy?

When you are expecting a baby, you can expect your life to change in many ways. Aside from the additional weight you will be carrying around, you will need to make changes in order to accommodate the health of the child growing inside you. Changes in lifestyle are necessary for your body to change along with your growing child. Remember that the child in you demands a lot from you and you must be ready to give it.

The body naturally needs water for all of its different bodily functions. By drinking the required 8 glasses of water a day, many illnesses, pregnancy symptoms, and discomforts can be avoided or minimized. The need for plenty of healthy water can easily be overlooked or forgotten, but once you are pregnant, you cannot afford to do any less. Pregnant women need to drink 8 glasses of water a day or more. These should be consumed throughout the day, in between meals, and not all in one sitting.  It is essential that pregnant women avoid becoming dehydrated.

You must remember that dehydration is not the same as being thirsty. Actually, dehydration happens long before you feel thirst, because once you are thirsty, it means that you have been dehydrated for a while already. While dehydration in an average person is unhealthy, dehydration in a pregnant woman is dangerous, both for the mom and the baby. Water is needed to transport nutrients through the blood from the mother to the baby. Pregnant women tend to store extra water in their body, so drinking more water helps flush that out. Urinary tract infections are common in expecting mothers, and water helps prevent that.

Dehydration during pregnancy is serious. In the third trimester, the mother’s blood volume increases. Thicker blood can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Drinking more water than the required 8 glasses a day during the third trimester helps avoid these problems.

Also in the third trimester, dehydration can cause contractions and eventually premature labor, which is something mothers do not usually want for their child. Premature labor makes it harder for the child to survive, but drinking water can prevent premature labor from happening. Other benefits of proper hydration during pregnancy include better bowel movement, less acne, healthier skin, flushing away of excess sodium, less chance of miscarriage, and prevention of nausea or morning sickness.

Pregnant women must not only stay hydrated, but they should drink clean and healthy water during pregnancy. Below are just a few of the contaminants found in tap water and how they can affect the unborn baby you are carrying:

·        Chlorine – Miscarriages and other problems

·        Nitrates – Blue Baby Syndrome

·        Lead – Slows mental development

·        Pharmaceutical drugs – Effects growth and development

It is clear that it is important to be intentional about drinking the required amount of water for the health of the child and the mother. Also, the mother must have healthy drinking water during pregnancy that is free of dangerous water contamination. This is easily provided by using water filters by Aquasana. These filters ensure you that no contaminants will be allowed in your water. Your safety and the safety of your precious child is a top concern and Aquasana can be your partner in making sure the water that comes out of your tap is healthy for mom and baby alike.

What Myths Should You Be Aware of Concerning Water Contamination?

Everyone needs water that is free from contamination. Many people keep their ears open to any news about water contamination. If you are paying attention to water contamination issues in your community, that is the right thing to do. It is important to stay informed regarding these things. You must be careful not to be swayed by myths lurking around. Here are some of the most commonly misunderstood myths that you should be aware of concerning water contamination:

Myth: Lead water contamination is caused by water treatment plants.

Truth: Lead usually does not come to you from water treatment plants, but from your own home plumbing. The pipes that carry your tap water to you may have lead in them and the lead in the pipes can easily be absorbed by the water going through them. If you want to know if you have lead in your water or how much lead you have, ask a professional laboratory to test your water for its lead content. If your lead content is more that 15 parts per billion (ppb), then you must take action. Lead is a very harmful chemical that can have an adverse impact on the health of young children and infants as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. Lead affects early childhood development and the result can be permanent health damage to their bodies.

Tip: Water that is left standing in lead-based plumbing can absorb lead even faster. Before using water, especially for cooking or for serving to your family, let the pipes flush by simply running the water until it becomes cold.

Myth: Once water goes down the drain, it is out of your life forever.

Truth: The water that you use today went down the drains of hundreds of other people before it reached your home. Actually, it might just be the water you flushed down the drain a few weeks or months ago. Some water might be used again the same week, while some water might remain unused for years. Water is not newly created every day. It is recycled and used again and again. It is another common myth that we have an endless supply of water. It is a limited and very precious resource.

Tip: Use water wisely and conserve water.

Myth: Water purifies itself.

Truth: Water goes through highly technical processes before it reaches your home. The community you live in processes water to catch some very basic forms of contamination. Public water processing, however, is in no way equipped to handle the thousands of forms of water pollution and contamination that enter the water supply every day. Every contaminant that we throw away, including chemicals, medicines, batteries, fertilizers, and industrial waste, finds its way back into our water.

Myth: Any home water purifying system will make your tap water healthier and safer.

Truth: Not all home water purifying systems will produce healthy and safe water. Some water filters will make your water’s taste, odor, and color better. That step of producing water that is clear and tastes good can give you an illusion that the water is healthy and clean. Just because your water is tasty, odorless, and clear doesn’t mean it is truly pure and safe to drink.

Tip: When buying a home water filter system, choose one that has been inspected and tested by industry professionals. This should be easy to identify on their labels and boxes. Aquasana has been tested and recommended by many industry professionals to provide you with pure and safe drinking water.

Talking the Kids Out of Their Bottled Water Habit

If your family uses a lot of bottled water, you are well aware of the costs. You may also be aware that bottled water is often full of water contamination and that the bottles represent a serious environmental problem. It is one challenge to give up the bottled water challenge yourself but if you have children, getting them to switch to filtered water that you make at home is a bigger job. Kids and teenagers in particular seem to just love buying and throwing away bottles of water. So how do you convince them?

If there is one thing that kids like even more than bottled water, it is the internet. So use their love of blogs and videos to get the word out to them that the bottled water habit must go. You can direct them to blogs that discuss how bottled water is the same as tap water. That alone is a compelling argument.

Kids are also environmentally conscious. So blogs that discuss good reasons to give up bottled water to save the earth are very convincing too.  By also directing their attention to a few videos outlining why bottled water is bad for everyone, you are using the tools teenagers understand to give them to kick the habit and save you a lot of money leaving bottled water where it belongs which is on the shelves at the store.

Using Whole House Water Filter Reviews to Help You Pick the Best One

Each household has a different water filter need. The condition of tap water is different in every community. Contaminants in different neighborhoods and industrial areas differ in severity as well. Because of this, each home must be aware of the state of their tap water and the type of home water filter they need.

Once you know the kind of water filter you need, it is important to convey this to your water filter professional. A good water filter system company like Aquasana can then help you find the right kind of water filter unit based on the condition of your tap water and your budget.

It is true that water filter professionals can be very helpful in your quest for reliable and healthy drinking water. It is also important for each home water filter buyer to read and understand consumer product reviews of the water filter unit they choose to buy.

There are some things other customers can tell you that professionals and sales representatives might fail to point out. That is the kind of “insider information” that you can get from water filter reviews. Here are some things to keep in mind when reading a home water filter review:

The Taste of Filtered Water

Water coming from different water filters will have different tastes. No one is better equipped to tell you about the distinct taste of the water coming from the water filter brand you choose than the people who have used it. Users of that water filter can most accurately tell you how your water will taste like compared to that of other water filter brands.

The Life of the Unit

You do not want a water filter system that will wear out easily. By listening to the opinions of other users as expressed in water filter reviews, you can know how long a unit can be expected to last. This way, you can find out if the materials used in the unit are of good quality. The durability of a water filter system as reported in water filter reviews will also tell you a great deal about the quality of workmanship that went into the manufacturing of that water filter.

Repair Information

You also do not want a water filter that will break down easily. Every filter unit will require you to change the filter cartridge regularly. Aside from that, you should not be bothered with frequent repairs. By reading home water filter system reviews, you can find out what brands require fewer repairs and what brands have fewer problems. You can also find out which ones are easier to use and how accessible repair parts are. This is very important information to note that you may not find any other way than by reading water filter reviews.

Recommendations

People tend to rely heavily on other consumer’s recommendations for any major purchase. There is something about getting a recommendation from a customer that bought, used, and loved the product that builds your confidence in the purchase you are about to make. This just goes to show that the product satisfied their expectations, and it has a good chance of meeting your expectations, too. This same principle applies to reading and using the valuable insights that are only available from water system reviews.

If you are looking for a trusted water filter unit, check out Aquasana water filters. Their filters have been trusted by homes across the country for many years. Home water filter reviews from satisfied Aquasana customers will reflect that Aquasana is one of the country’s most trusted water filter brands.

Does the Aquasana shower filter really provide the healthiest shower possible?

The Aquasana shower filter has been designed specifically to improve the health of all members of a family and really does provide the healthiest shower possible. A shower without the Aquasana system in place can cause untold damage to your health. For example, chlorine is commonly found in tap water and is suspected of having carcinogenic effects, particularly with regard to breast cancer as sufferers are found to have 50 to 60% more chlorine in their breast tissue. Other chemicals may also find their way into your system as your pores enlarge when you are in the shower and this encourages the absorption of chemicals. It is not just about those on your skin though, you may be breathing in water contaminants too because they evaporate and mingle with the steam.

The Aquasana shower filter can help prevent water contaminants because it has a two-stage filter process that removes chlorine in the first instance and then THMs and VOCs, synthetic chemicals that are added to water, in the second. The benefits are amazing because you will be showering in softer water that does not alter the chemical balance of your skin. By removing the contaminants, you can ensure that you are not at risk of inhaling them or having them absorbed into your skin, so Aquasana can definitely provide you with the healthiest shower possible.

Are the Costs of a Home Water Filter System too Expensive for me?

In today’s world, it has become hard to ignore the facts about bad water quality. Between sediment in the water and chlorine and chemicals that end up in the water supply, it is no wonder that almost everyone tries to seek out cleaner water in one way or another.

At first glance, it may seem like a home water filter system is too expensive of an investment. Some people worry that it might break the budget to fix their water problem. It might seem like it would be cheaper to just learn to live with it or to find a cheaper solution.

What you may not realize are the costs you are already paying by living with bad water. The biggest cost can be bottled water if that is a solution you opt for instead of a home water filter system. Bottled water can cost hundreds yearly, however, and it may not be any healthier for you. You may not know it, but many bottled waters are bottled directly from a public water supply. That means that in many cases, it is no healthier than what you get out of your tap.

Other brands lead you to believe they are offering you a higher-quality product by listing multiple filtration methods on the label. The thing most people overlook is that while it might list many water filter methods on the label, the company will almost always use the least expensive method.

Another sales technique that is used by bottled water companies is saying that minerals have been “added for flavor.” That terminology may be just a way of covering up that the bottled water company does not remove everything. If you are environmentally conscious, bottled water is also a bad choice because of the large amount of waste. Overall, bottled water is the most expensive way to get clean water and the only benefit it gives is that it is convenient.

Another cost of tap water is dehydration. Many people don’t want to drink contaminated tap water and the result can be that they do not stay properly hydrated. Sufficient water is vital for your body to function properly. Many studies have shown that without proper hydration, weight loss becomes much harder.

What many people do instead of drinking the proper amount of water is drink sugary soft drinks instead. These beverages do not provide as many health benefits of pure water and also cost much more.

Another cost to think about is the medical cost of drinking contaminated water. Chlorine water contamination is the biggest concern in this area, as it has been shown to cause cancer in adults and children as well as other health problems.

Looking at the alternatives, buying an effective home water filter system in many ways is the most cost- effective way of dealing with water contamination in the long run for your health. In addition, you can shop around and find something that fixes the problem but doesn’t break the bank.

A good example is a faucet or an under-the-sink filter. Faucet filters are a shorter term solution, but they can effectively provide clean water at a reasonable price. Under-the-sink filters cost a little more up front but are better in the long term. Either way, if you do your comparison shopping you can find a home water filter system that fits any budget. By working with a quality home water filter system supplier like Aquasana, they can help you find the perfect water filter solution that fits your needs and your budget.

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