Around the world, more than 350 million people suffer from osteoarthritis. In America, it’s one in four adults. What these millions of people may not know is that contaminants in their drinking water could be related to the pain in their joints.
Anyone who struggles with osteoarthritis pain should know about this possible connection between contaminants and pain. Eliminating any toxins in well water or community water could have a beneficial effect on their pain and possibly help prevent further harm to their joints.
Contaminants to Check for During Osteoarthritis Flare-Ups
When joint pain is experienced by one or more members of a household, check well water or community water for these contaminants.
- Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, grow in many types of water. These bacteria grow into dense blooms in the right conditions. If surface water intrusion into a well adds these bacteria to the household’s water supply, the result can be an aggravation of joint pain.
- Fluoride makes its way from aquifers to many private wells. If too much fluoride is consumed, it can cause skeletal fluorosis, marked by pain and tenderness in bones and joints.
- Lead is a naturally occurring mineral. Lead in household water can cause joint pain as well as digestive upset and many other symptoms. A map showing states with high levels of lead in groundwater includes Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Lower levels are present in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and New York.
Other Contaminants Are Associated with the Formation of Osteoarthritis
In addition to contaminants that can trigger joint pain, there are some contaminants that researchers have associated with the onset of this condition.
- Higher levels of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics and food packaging, have been found in some patients with osteoarthritis, but the research on this topic is not yet complete.
- Exposure to PFOA and PFOS, two industrial chemicals used in waterproofing, stain resistance and nonstick cookware, has been associated with a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis among women.
- PCBs are chemicals used in electronic and electrical components. Research has shown that some groups of people accidentally exposed to PCBs have developed a higher incidence of osteoarthritis. Another study found that higher levels of PCB chemicals in the blood were associated with a greater risk of osteoarthritis, especially among women.
Science has not yet completed the task of tracking down all the causes of osteoarthritis. The avoidance of all contaminants that can aggravate joints or that may be associated with the formation of osteoarthritis is always a smart strategy. Additionally, many of the contaminants on this list have been closely associated with various types of cancer. Avoidance of all water contaminants is the best way to maintain good health.
ETR Labs helps people across the country monitor their well water quality or check up on the quality of their community water. The Ultimate Water Test is our best and most thorough examination of your water, testing for 249 contaminants you don’t want in your water supply.
Once you have your water tested, ETR Labs’s staff can help you determine the best type of filtration to eliminate toxic substances in your water supply. When you receive your test results, contact us for this advice at no additional charge.
Rule out bacteria, fluoride, BPA, PCBs and hundreds of other contaminants in your water with the Ultimate Water Test. Click here to order today!