Whereas some water contaminants are known simply by their names (iron, arsenic, lead, sulfur, etc.), others are known by the group of related contaminants that they are a part of. Volatile Organic Chemicals are an example of the latter category, and they can be a serious concern if they are found in high levels in your water. Today we’re going to talk about what volatile organic chemicals are, the health effects that they can cause and how you can remove them from your home’s tap water!
What are Volatile Organic Chemicals?
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC’s) are a group of chemical compounds that are found in many household products and are used for a variety of purposes by industrial plants. For example, you can find VOC’s in oils, gasoline, solvents, cleaners, degreasers, paints, ink, dyes, refrigerants and pesticides. VOC’s often evaporate into the air, which makes them problematic for both air quality and water quality.
How do Volatile Organic Chemicals get into tap water?
VOC’s are most often found in homes that get their water from private wells. Any time that there is a chemical spill or chemicals are disposed of improperly, VOC’s can seep into the ground and infiltrate nearby wells. That’s why VOC’s are especially problematic for wells that are located near industrial plants, farms, gas stations, landfills and railroad tracks.
Because VOC’s come from the surface and seep into the ground, shallow private wells are affected sooner and more severely than deep wells.
What are the health effects of Volatile Organic Chemicals in tap water?
There are a number of health effects associated with exposure to VOC’s, and those effects can vary depending on the types of VOC’s that are in your water. Research has linked exposure to high levels of VOC’s to all of the health problems listed below:
- Damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver
- Elevated risks of various types of cancer
- Irritation of the skin
- Irritation of the mucous membranes (when inhaled via shower water)
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Irregular heartbeat
The health effects of exposure to low levels of VOC’s in water is still relatively unknown.
How can you remove Volatile Organic Chemicals from tap water?
VOC’s can be effectively removed from tap water by installing a water filtration system such as an activated carbon filter. We suggest installing a whole house system as opposed to a point-of-use system, because VOC’s are dangerous when you drink them and when you inhale them in the shower. A whole house system will also ensure that every drinking water tap in your home is protected from VOC’s.
If you have any questions about volatile organic chemicals in tap water, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants, your water softener and water filtration system dealer in North and South Carolina. We provide service all over the Carolinas, including towns like Matthews, Kannapolis and Cornelius, NC.