Contaminants range in how harmful they are. Disinfection byproducts associated with water chlorination are often listed as a contaminant on local water reports. These disinfection byproducts are helpful at the right levels to kill germs and prevent illness. Below are some examples of harmful health effects from water contamination.
Algal Blooms- Mild symptoms can include stomach pain, rash, headache, coughing, watery eyes, nose irritation, or sore throat. Serious symptoms can include seizures, liver damage, and/or irregular heartbeat.
Lead- Most children with elevated lead levels do not have symptoms right away but may develop problems as the lead levels rise. Children may experience headaches, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or constipation, clumsiness, irritable mood, drowsiness, vomiting, or seizures. Find more information on our lead page for families and communities.
PFAS- Health effects can range. People can experience increases in cholesterol levels. Babies affected can have lower birth weight. People can also have lower antibody response to vaccines. Pregnant women can experience hypertension or preeclampsia. Additionally, PFAS is also linked to kidney and testicular cancer, and changes in liver enzymes.