| What's the most dangerous substance on earth? | | | | |
| If you live in Asia, it could be that cold, | | | | Because of the problems associated with tap |
| refreshing glass of water you're holding. | | | | water, most people buy bottled water for |
| | | | health and safety reasons. Unfortunately, |
| The United Nations Commission on Sustainable | | | | that could take them from the frying pan into |
| Development said dirty water is responsible | | | | the fire, especially if they buy bottled |
| for five million deaths yearly. It added that | | | | water from questionable refilling stations. |
| contaminated water accounts for about 80 to | | | | |
| 90 percent of all diseases and more than | | | | Unlike bottled water manufacturers that are |
| one-third of deaths in developing countries. | | | | expected to pass rigid standards and follow |
| | | | good manufacturing practices set by the |
| "Microbiological and chemical contaminants | | | | government, refilling stations in Asia often |
| can enter water supplies. These can be the | | | | do not comply with these standards and some |
| result of human activity or can be found in | | | | even operate without a license. Since they |
| nature. For instance, chemicals can migrate | | | | merely fill up empty bottles, how sure are |
| from disposal sites and contaminate sources | | | | you that the water you get from them is safe? |
| of drinking water," according to the US | | | | |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). | | | | Another point to consider is their location. |
| | | | While the local sanitation code clearly |
| "Animal wastes and pesticides may be carried | | | | states that refilling stations should be |
| to lakes and streams by rainfall runoff. | | | | meters away from sources of pollution, flood, |
| Human wastes may be discharged to receiving | | | | and other possible contaminants, some are |
| waters that ultimately flow to water bodies | | | | housed in old dirty buildings and in highly |
| used for drinking water. Coliform bacteria | | | | polluted areas. |
| from human and animal wastes may be found in | | | | |
| drinking water if the water is not properly | | | | This is a sad considering that clean water is |
| treated or disinfected," the EPA added. | | | | important for our health and well-being. |
| | | | Aside from eliminating toxins from the body, |
| Compounding the problem is the presence of | | | | water prevents dehydration and makes you look |
| leaks and illegal connections that greatly | | | | and feel better. Without enough water, our |
| affect our water supply. An Asian Development | | | | skin will suffer greatly since body cells |
| Bank (ADB) study showed that about 35 percent | | | | need water to function properly. |
| or one-third of Asia's urban water supply is | | | | |
| lost or stolen because of busted pipes and | | | | "If you don't replace the moisture you lose, |
| illegal connections. | | | | your skin can't be replenished and will get |
| | | | very dry. When skin cells are dry, they |
| The ADB said that only 17 percent of public | | | | crack, peel, and change colors. Dry skin can |
| faucets are metered and only 60 percent of | | | | also be itchy and painful, as well as |
| household, commercial and industrial meters | | | | unsightly. Lotions and creams are just like |
| are functioning properly. This makes | | | | putting a band-aid on a cut. It may help the |
| consumers easy targets for cholera, typhoid, | | | | problem in the short term, but the real |
| hepatitis, and other water-borne diseases. | | | | healing comes from within. |