Are There Prescription Drugs In Drinking Water?

Author: Peter Clark

Water from the tap seems very safe. No one ever thinks about the possibility of there being harmful substances in drinking water. Most people would be very shocked to discover that there are prescription drugs in drinking water.

Prescription drugs? In the water that many people drink on a daily basis? The idea sounds completely bizarre. Yet, there are small amounts of drugs in the drinking water that can be found at any given time. Studies have shown that prescription drugs can be found in drinking water even after it has gone through treatments.

Keep in mind that the discovery of prescription drugs in drinking water is nothing new. In fact, scientists have known for over a decade that a very small percentage of our water supplies contains various types of drugs.

Antibiotics and hormones are just a few of the many different types of prescription drugs that can be found in drinking water. How do these drugs all find their way into the water supply? There are many people who flush their medications down the toilets, while others take the medications and then later release them through their urine.

At this time, experts are unable to agree on whether or not drugs in the drinking water will cause adverse health side effects. Many feel that the prolonged absorption of prescription drugs will cause side effects, some feel that the amounts found in drinking water are too minimal, and others feel that there isn't enough research to tell.

If you want to avoid prescription drugs in drinking water, your first reaction may be to boil the water. This seems like a very logical way to get rid of the prescription drugs. Keep in mind, however, that this will not actually eliminate the drugs from the water.

Your second reaction may be to drink bottled water instead of tap water. Unfortunately, most bottled water is not any less harmful. The reason is because there are not any standards for the quality of bottled water. Another reason is because bottled water often comes from the tap.

The best way to protect yourself from prescription drugs in drinking water is to consider getting a water filter. There are various different types of ways to filter water like reverse osmosis or a charcoal system to reduce levels of drugs. Some work better than others.

Straight water filtration is the best way to prevent yourself from absorbing prescription drugs or other harmful substances that may be found in drinking water. Find out more about the best water filters at my website.

About the Author:

Visit Peters website to find out more about the best drinking water filters. And find out more about high quality drinking water at http://bestdrinkingwaterfilter.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/are-there-prescription-drugs-in-drinking-water-799699.html

Water And Mineral Matter

Author: Justin Skinner

Although, as has just been stated, food may be considered as anything that the human engine can make over into tissue or use in living and working, not all foods are equally desirable any more than all materials are equally good in the construction of a steam engine and in the production of its working power. Those food substances which are the most wholesome and healthful are the ones to be chosen, but proper choice cannot be made unless the buyer knows of what the particular food consists and what it is expected to do. To aid in the selection of food, therefore, it is extremely necessary to become familiar with the five substances, constituents, or principles of which foods are made up; namely, water, mineral matter, or ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate. A knowledge of these will help also in determining the cooking methods to adopt, for this depends on the effect that heat has on the various substances present in a food. Of course, so far as flavor is concerned, it is possible for the experienced cook to prepare many dishes successfully without knowing the effect of heat on the different food constituents; but to cook intelligently, with that success which makes for actual economy and digestibility, certain facts must be known concerning the food principles and the effect of dry and moist heat on foods.

Water.--Of the various constituents that are found in the human body, water occurs in the largest quantity. As a food substance, it is an extremely important feature of a person's diet. Its chief purpose is to replenish the liquids of the body and to assist in the digestion of food. Although nature provides considerable amounts of water in most foods, large quantities must be taken in the diet as a beverage. In fact, it is the need of the body for water that has led to the development of numerous beverages. Besides being necessary in building up the body and keeping it in a healthy condition, water has a special function to perform in cooking, as is explained later. Although this food substance is extremely essential to life, it is seldom considered in the selection of food, because, as has just been mentioned, nearly all foods contain water.

Mineral Matter.--Ranking next to water in the quantity contained in the human body is mineral matter. This constituent, which is also called ash or mineral salts, forms the main part of the body's framework, or skeleton. In the building and maintaining of the body, mineral salts serve three purposes--to give rigidity and permanence to the skeleton, to form an essential element of active tissue, and to provide the required alkalinity or acidity for the digestive juices and other secretions.

The origin and distribution of these mineral substances are of interest. Plants in their growth seize from the earth the salts of minerals and combine them with other substances that make up their living tissue. Then human beings, as well as other living creatures, get their supply of these needed salts from the plants that they take as food, this being the only form in which the salts can be thoroughly assimilated. These salts are not affected by cooking unless some process is used that removes such of them as are readily soluble in water. When this occurs, the result is usually waste, as, for instance, where no use is made of the water in which some vegetables are boiled. As is true of water, mineral matter, even though it is found in large quantities in the body, is usually disregarded when food is purchased. This is due to the fact that this important nutritive material appears in some form in nearly all foods and therefore does not necessitate the housewife's stopping to question its presence.

About the Author:

Visit the Fruits And Vegetables website to learn about microwave corn on the cob and corn growth.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/water-and-mineral-matter-799779.html

Hydrogen As A Fuel Source

Author: Levi Quinn

With the introduction of such things as the air car or biodiesel, it should not be all that surprising that hydrogen is also something that many believe to be a viable fuel source. Hydrogen is familiar to many people as one of the periodic table elements. It is also a natural resource that is a positive alternative to fossil fuel combustion for energy production. Though hydrogen is still not a main source of fuel currently, there is promising study and results proving its efficiency. With further investigation, perhaps hydrogen will be a means of living greener in the future.

There are actually two different ways that hydrogen can be used as fuel. One of these methods involves combining the hydrogen with oxygen in order to create water. Water cars are a whole field of promising study all on their own. Water cars are emission free and fully functional, though not without their drawbacks. The other method of using hydrogen is by combustion. This means that it is combusted within the engine much the same as the combustion that currently takes place with fossil fuels inside an engine. Of course because hydrogen is not a toxic fossil fuel, the emissions are not at all the same.

For awhile the Ford Motor Company had been debating on whether or not to launch a car that ran on hydrogen. They had planned to do so but that plan was later dropped. They decided that it wasn't a risk worth taking at this time. Hydrogen may not be quite ready for the mass market. However, Ford did go on to develop their own hybrid and flex fuel vehicles which have been rather successful. Like many other auto makers, those currently remain the two leading fossil fuel alternatives when it comes to green cars.

At this time it would cost too much to mass produce hydrogen fueled cars. It is unlikely that it would be a worthy investment for either manufacturers or consumers, especially when other options are available at a lower cost. Perhaps some of the problem is that there are so many fuel alternatives being tossed around that it can be difficult to isolate which is truly the best. The fact that hydrogen has to be made also makes it more difficult to obtain. Fossil fuels come straight out of the earth. There is also plenty more research that still needs to be done on hydrogen before we can take full advantage of it globally.

Some experts believe that it will take up to 40 years before hydrogen is ready for the public. Hydrogen is very hard to store in its natural form and instead has to be converted to a liquid form which requires a lot of energy. Also, making it accessible to the public everywhere is a real challenge that will not be overcome in the near future. Hydrogen certainly has its advantages which should be explored further. However, for now it seems that hybrids and flex fuel are the best earth friendly options that are readily available.

About the Author:

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/hydrogen-as-a-fuel-source--793678.html

Ultraviolet Water Purifiers - The Best Way To Purify Drinking Water?

Author: David Cassell
Ultraviolet water purifiers are used by many public treatment facilities to reduce bacterial content. Ultraviolet systems have been adapted for use by homeowners with private wells that have a high bacterial count. Similarly portable ultraviolet water filters are now available for people who are camping or traveling abroad. But even though Ultraviolet purifiers can reduce bacteria to levels that don't cause illnesses, there are some pathogens that are resistant to UV treatment. They are known as cysts. Cysts are parasites in a very early stage of development that can only be neutralized by boiling or by filtering them out. They are greater than a micron in size. So, any purifier that filters down to at least one micron will remove them. Some of the better kitchen units filter down to a half micron. Depending on where you live and the quality of your supply, you may need both ultraviolet water purifiers to kill common bacteria and sub-micron filtration to reduce cysts. The amount of cysts in the environment depends on the year round temperature, the number of animals that are in the area and the season of the year. In the US, public treatment facilities test for them on an occasional, but not a regular basis. The EPA has said that regular testing is impractical. They warn that at-risk individuals should make every effort to protect themselves from this type of infection. Those that are most at-risk include infants, toddlers, the elderly and those with weakened or absent immune system function. In addition to cysts, many homeowners must worry about the chemicals that are used to kill bacteria and control algae growth in the pipelines. The most popular chemical for this purpose is chlorine, because it is cheap and readily available. Chlorination causes the release of byproducts known as THMs. Exposure to THMs greatly increases the individual's cancer risk. Ultraviolet water purifiers serve some purposes, but like reverse osmosis and distillation devices, they cannot kill cysts, nor can they remove chlorine or THMs. If you do have the need for ultraviolet purification in your home, you should know that recent studies done for the EPA showed that all methods of disinfection cause the production of THMs, even ultraviolet. Other studies have shown that THMs become airborne when chlorinated water is heated for showering, cleaning, cooking or other purposes. Well-insulated homes have some amount of chloroform gas (a known carcinogen and a THM) in the air. So, if you do have ultraviolet water purifiers in your home, it is a good first step to having the cleanest water in your home, especially if you get water from a private well. This is because private well owners are responsible for their own water treatment, not the local water authority. However, be aware that there are better water purifiers available which are capable of removing both chlorine and THMs. Some top of the line kitchen and shower water filters are capable of removing both these type of contaminants.
About the Author:

Want a water purifier that can remove chlorine and THMs? These countertop water filters are certified to remove these contaminants as well as other synthetic chemicals. More details: http://www.best-water-filter-guide.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/ultraviolet-water-purifiers-the-best-way-to-purify-drinking-water-788137.html

Outdoor Wall Fountains Are Good For the Soul

Instant tranquility. Just position your chaise lounge near the serene sounds of an outdoor wall fountain. Stress levels decline, bliss readings rise.

Outdoor wall fountain tips for apartment dwellers
Flowing water brings sound and movement to even the tiniest of balcony gardens, creating an aura of spirit-lifting tranquility. In recent years, the choice of balcony-sized water features has grown to include everything from budget-priced kits to superb artist's pieces. Outdoor wall fountains make the most of vertical space, while small bowls or pools can splash, spill, bubble or spray according to the music you like best. Water plants, such as water lilies and iris, are optional. Good ideas and practical advice can be found in by reading your favorite Website for Small Gardens.

Wall fountains are versatile-indoors or outdoors
The beauty of purchasing an outdoor wall fountain is that many of the kits can also be used inside as well. When selecting an outdoor water fountain, you want to think ahead and make sure the outdoor water fountain will age well over the years. They can be made from a variety of materials and for extra drama, can be illuminated.

Most outdoor wall fountains are not so hard to install
The sound of water in the back yard garden adds a lovely touch of serenity and a feeling that all is right with the world. The tinkling sound of gently running water from an outdoor wall fountain just has a peaceful effect to the heart and soul. An outdoor wall fountain relaxes, calms and takes us far away from the pressure cooker stresses of modern life. Many psychiatrists incorporate water fountains in the gardens of treatment facilities. Outdoor water fountains are featured on rooftops of metropolitan skyscrapers so that business executives can unwind and distress.

City dwellers with the small courtyard or compact backyard can create a haven of paradise by adding a variety of plants, goldfish, tasteful statues and an outdoor wall fountain. Just about all outdoor wall fountains are very surprisingly tasteful in design. Many even come in a lightweight resin, which has the added benefit of being easily attached to the common privacy wooden fence without additional hardware being necessary.


Tips for Apartment Dwellers:
Flowing water brings sound and movement to even the tiniest of balcony gardens, creating an aura of spirit-lifting tranquillity. In recent years, the choice of balcony-sized water features has grown to include everything from budget-priced kits to superb artist's pieces. Wall fountains make the most of vertical space, while small bowls or pools can splash, spill, bubble or spray according to the music you like best. Water plants, such as waterlilies and
iris, are optional

Making Water Removal Methods Safe To The Environment

Flood waters may enter homes because of natural calamities or of human lapses. Heavy rainfall, overflow of rivers and streams as well as inefficient drainage systems and pipe leakages may create water damage problems for homeowners. When these things happen, the low-lever areas of the house may experience flooding. In some instances, it is easy for the water levels to decrease. Cases like this only call for drying and cleaning up before the situation turns back to normal. However, there are some incidents wherein the water levels remain stagnant or worse, continue to rise. When this happens, homeowners have to resort to water removal methods in order to get all the water out.

There are many water removal methods available to homeowners. Homeowners may simply scoop out the flood waters using pails and other water containers. When this is not enough, they may use sump pumps to hasten the water removal. Homeowners should also check the source of the flood waters. If pipe leaks are causing it, these leaks should be fixed without delay. Other openings which serve as the entry-point of flood waters should also be blocked and sealed. Clogged drainages should be taken cared of in order to direct the flow of water to its proper place. These steps are important in controlling the water levels.

Water removal does not only entail drying off the affected areas. It also entails a level of responsibility on the part of homeowners to make sure that the drained flood waters do not spill into the grounds. It is important to realize that these flood waters may have come in contact with some chemicals stored inside the house. These waters are basically contaminated and may be harmful to the plants surrounding the house if they are just thrown into the soil. Homeowners should be cautious of this while performing water removal, if they are to be accountable to the damage this may pose to nature.

After the flood waters are disposed off, the windows of the affected areas in the house should be left wide open. This will not only speed up the drying of the floors, walls and furniture during water removal but will also help in getting rid of air pollutants that may be caused by indoor flooding. Excess moisture in the house encourages the spread and reproduction of mold spores and microbacterial spores in the air. If the rooms inside the house are not well-ventilated, these spores will become very harmful to the health of the residents and may even be the cause of various allergies.

Water removal methods must be kept environment-friendly. These steps are very easy to follow and are sure to benefit the homeowners in more ways than one.
Author Resource:- Richard Barthallo discusses important homeowner isses for Freeport, IL water removal and Decatur, IL water removal

Article From ArticleSlide.com

How To Find The Right Drinking Water Filtration System

The procedure for how to find the correct drinking water filtration system does not have to be hard, you just need to learn some things about the different home drinking water filter systems that are on the market today, and from there make the right choice of which particular drinking water filtration type is going to work the best for your family.

Here are the most popular kinds of home drinking water filtration systems out there today.



Looking At Ionized Water Filtration Systems

By far one of the most popular types of drinking water filter systems out there today is the ionized water filter. Today alkaline and acid water is used in a huge number of hospitals and clinics, both for drinking and wound healing instead of expensive drug regimens.

There are many advantages that come from ionized water filters, like the fact that they are healthier than most other types of water filtration systems. They also cost less, which is good because then you don’t have to brake the bank to get clean, fresh drinking water.

Charcoal Water Filters

The charcoal water filters are also very popular. These water filters utilize charcoal derived from coconut husk to use as a filter medium. This works by absorbing impurities as the water goes through, and this form of filter makes up possibly 95% of those in domestic use today, due to the fact that they are so easy to set up and last for a very long time.

If you are wanting an effective drinking water filtration system this is one that you will want to think about, one that will be worth every penny spent.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

The last kind of drinking water filtration system to be talked about here is the reverse osmosis filtration system. This is a water filtration system that uses a semi permeable membrane to filter through osmotic procedure. They take everything out of the water, leaving it clean. These water filtration systems are usually installed right under the sink, and are very budget friendly.

You really should spend some time and put some consideration into this, so that you can choose the appropriate water filter system for your home. Depending on the size of your family and your available budget for instance, factors such as these will play a major role in determining which water filter system you pick. Either way, getting a water filtration system will make sure that you and your family are getting only the cleanest, purest water.