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Hydraulic fracturing is the process of drilling into the ground to obtain natural gas and oil from the earth. Commonly known as fracking, this is largely accomplished through the use of sand and water. However, a small amount of chemicals referred to as highly volatile organic compounds (HVOCs) are also used in fracking, and these chemicals can contaminate the well water that makes it into your home. Add that to the fact that surface gas can escape into the water table too, and you have a serious potential health concern for your family. Hazards of Fracking Water Contamination Trimethylbenzene, Xylene and Hexane are among the primary HVOCs that can contaminate water as a result of fracking. And while fracking isn’t the only way HVOCs find their way into the environment, exposure can cause a range of health problems, including irritation of the mucous membranes, damage to the central nervous and respiratory systems, deterioration of memory and potentially even cancer. Furthermore, natural gas can escape into the water table, resulting in water that is actually flammable.   Chlorine in Drinking Water Unfortunately, even chlorine can play a role in making the water you drink and bathe in unhealthy. Chlorine is typically added to water because of its ability to destroy bacteria and other infectious agents that could make you sick. And while its presence is seen as protective in nature, it acts with organic elements naturally found in our water to create a dangerous compound c...

Contaminants that can sometimes be found in drinking water can have a serious effect on your health. Some contaminants, such as cesium, iodine, lead, strontium, and tritium can lead to cancer. Other contaminants, such as chlorate, chlorite, cyanide, ethylbenzene, and xylenes can cause other organ, respiratory, and neurological issues. Chlorite and chlorate are a byproduct of disinfection in systems involving chlorine dioxide, and can cause thyroid gland effects, neurobehavioral effects, decreased absolute brain weight, and altered liver weights. Cyanide is introduced into water by industrial and mining effluents and are released from organic compounds, and exposure can cause hypersensitivity, asthma, or bronchitis. Ethylbenzene and xylenes come from the emissions or spills of petroleum and chemical industries, and exposure can lead to liver and pituitary gland issues or neuromuscular effects. Carcinogenic contaminants can also be found in drinking water. Cesium and strontium come from nuclear weapons and reactors and can cause multiple cancers. Iodine can also cause multiple cancers and comes from sewage effluent. Lead and tritium are naturally occurring but can lead to cancer as well. While some of these contaminants may not have immediate health consequences, they can be dangerous if you’re exposed to them for a long period of time. Even at low doses, the effects can be cumulative over the years. In the United States, there is a requirement to test for all of the contami...