The Danger of Toxic Contamination of Groundwater in the United States - Term Paper Example

Danger of Toxic Contamination of Groundwater in the United States Introduction United States residents have the reputation as the largest water consumers in the world. In order to satisfy the need for this precious commodity, groundwater supplies such as aquifers are being tapped in different parts of the country. However, the problem of water depletion from these sources is steadily gaining attention not only in the United States but also in many other regions of the planet. Added to this concern is the increasing incidence of contamination by various forms of toxic substances and pollutants (Smith et al.). The United States Environmental Protection Agency claimed in 1998 that almost half of the approximately 3,000 chemicals that were being produced or imported by the United States, amounting to more than one million pounds per year, did not have accompanying toxicity test data (WWF). The said agency provides critical information regarding environmental pollution affecting US residents and one of the agency’s methods is through the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) which purpose is to expose the nature and amount of toxic chemicals being release in their communities. There are three major concerns regarding groundwater contamination that needs elucidation. These are: (1) the presence and importance of the different kinds of water pollutants in the United States’ groundwater sources, (2) the nature and amount of toxic substances contaminating water in the country and (3) the level of awareness of United States residents and the solution towards mitigating the effects of these water quality problems. This paper aims to answer the three important issues raised above by detailing the current situation of water contamination in the United States, by enumerating the different chemicals and pollutants in the groundwater system including their detrimental effects to the health of communities and by identifying measures being undertaken to minimize the consequences of this problem. Current Water Pollution Situation in the United States According to latest Toxics Release Inventory data, in 2004 factories in the United States belonging to the chemical and paper industries were the major culprit in terms of air and water pollution. The amount exceeded 70 million pounds for known carcinogens that were released in US air and water bodies (US PEF; EPA). For the same year, factories in the United States belonging to the chemical industry earned the recognition of leading the pollution of air and waters of the United States with more than 96 million pounds of chemical emissions that are considered to be associated with developmental abnormalities such as birth deformations and learning disabilities. Chemicals released associated with reproductive disorders reached 38 million pounds (EPA; US PEF). Still in 2004, paper and chemical factories based in the United States emitted more than 826 million pounds of neurologically detrimental materials into the air and bodies of water. Chemical factories and electric facilities, on the other hand, gained the prestige of releasing one of the most dangerous toxins known to man called dioxins. These two industries released 2,631 grams in 2004 (US PEF). In terms of location Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas states were the top carcinogen producers that pollute air and water in 2004. Inside Texas, four counties namely Brazoria, Galveston, Harris and Jefferson were among the top carcinogen producers of the 20 counties included in the polluter’s list (US PEF). Illinois, Tennessee and Texas topped the list of states releasing substances associated with developmental and reproductive abnormalities. These three states produced more than 40 and 70 percent of the total developmental and reproductive toxicants in 2004, respectively (EPA; US PEF). Carcinogens or carcinogenic chemicals are substances that can cause cancer, malignant tumors and leukemia. The risk of developing cancer accumulates over a person’s lifetime. In the United States, males have 50 percent lifetime risk of developing cancer while females have around 33 percent lifetime risk. Experts claim that 6 percent of cancer deaths are due to exposure to carcinogens found in the environment or in the workplace. This equals 33,900 cancer deaths each year (US PEF). The top five carcinogens released into the air and water in 2004 are the following: acetaldehyde (13.8 million pounds), formaldehyde (13.0 million pounds), dichloromethane (6.7 million pounds), benzene (6.7 million pounds) and trichloroethylene (6.2 million pounds). Acetaldehyde is a chemical intermediate used for the manufacture of some acids and chemical compounds (US PEF). Developmental toxicants are chemicals that can affect the proper physical growth and mental development of babies, children and young adults. There are a variety of health conditions that cover the classification of developmental abnormalities. These are death of fetus, facial defects and heart malformations. Systemic problems affecting hormonal, immune and neurological systems are also types of developmental disorders (EPA; US PEF). Studies on the direct impact of developmental toxicants and the mechanisms behind these disorders are insufficient to establish chemicals and substances in this category. However, there are a group of chemicals highly associated with developmental problems. The top five developmental toxicants released in air and water in 2004 were toluene (54 million pounds), carbon disulfide (26.8 million pounds), benzene (6.7 million pounds), n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (2.4 million pounds) and 1,3-butadiene (1.9 million pounds) (US PEF). Toluene can be found in crude oil. It is also a byproduct in oil refinery and coke making from coal. Making paints and adhesives also require the use of toluene. Toluene affects kidneys and nervous system. Pregnancy exposed to toluene had been noted to result to birth abnormalities and mental disorder (US PEF). Reproductive toxicants are substances that severely affect the reproductive organs, fertilization and pregnancy of people. The top five reproductive toxicants released to the air and water in 2004 are carbon disulfide (26.9 million pounds), benzene (6.7 million pounds), 1,3 butadiene (1.9 million pounds), lead compounds (1.0 million pounds) and ethylene oxide (0.3 million pounds). Carbon disulfide is used for treating cellulose during the processing of rayon (EPA; US PEF). Neurotoxicants are substances or chemicals that can severely affect the brain and the central nervous system. Two of the most commonly known neurological toxicants are lead and mercury. However, the list of substances with similar kind of action or effect on the central nervous system has not been clearly defined. Symptoms of neurological deterioration due to these toxicants include exhaustion, disorientation, irritability and other behavioral aberrations. Some degenerative diseases of the brain such as encephalopathy were considered to be associated with exposure to neurological toxicants (US PEF). Neurotoxicants affect the peripheral nervous system by disturbing the carriage of sensory information by the nerves. Numbness and loss of coordination occurs when sensory information conveyed by motor impulses from the brain to the remaining parts of the body are interrupted by neurotoxic substances (EPA; US PEF). The top five neurotoxicants released in US air and water bodies are methanol (178 million pounds), ammonia (136 million pounds), hydrogen fluoride (72 million pounds), toluene (54 million pounds) and styrene (52 million pounds). Methanol and ammonia are released during the production of chemical and organic fertilizers (US PEF). Dioxins are considered as the most dangerous substances known to man. This group of chemicals are claimed to be associated with a variety of disorders affecting cell growth and development, reproduction and immune system function. Dioxins can also cause cancer. Dioxins are produced during pulp and paper chlorine bleaching, during chemical production and chemical processing. Other several industrial manufacturing processes produce small amounts of dioxins (EPA). Current Issues Related to Toxic Wastes and Groundwater As enumerated in the above paragraphs, several chemicals are being released in water systems in the different part of the United States in alarming proportions. The negative effects of the said chemicals have been established and the danger that these substances poses to the public can never be overlooked. The first important issue related to water quality in the United States is the transfer of information from the experts or agencies tasked to monitor environmental aspects. The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has been collecting and disseminating relevant data on the multifarious effects of water contaminants on human health. In fact, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the agency develops and establishes significant scientific basis for standards in order to prevent people from taking in contaminated water. These researches do not only provide essential guidelines for the public regarding their water sources but also the chemical companies and other materials production industries as well as policymakers to be aware of the risks that the environment and communities encounter. These information are very important in setting up standards and regulations for companies to follow regarding toxic wastes and for the policymakers to draft stricter protocols to put the health of people over the economic gains of private groups. EPA has ongoing studies establishing the mechanisms of arsenic poisoning. Arsenic is a very prevalent element that can contaminate sources of drinking water. Regions with volcanic activity or hot springs harbor arsenic naturally. People exposed to arsenic may be at risk of neurological, reproductive and cardiovascular disorders including cancer. The agency is testing the effects of arsenic to genetic material or DNA thus setting foundation for the elucidation of arsenic’s mode of action. Another water contaminant EPA is studying is a gasoline additive called methyl tert-butyl ether or MTBE. The said chemical is added to gasoline to increase burning efficiency or octane. Since gasoline tanks are often stored underground, spills and leaks in storage and transfer of gasoline may prove risky. Thus the agency is exerting efforts to educate the public related to MTBE contamination particularly those households which have deep wells as the source of drinking water by providing MTBE testing services and information for safer storage of gasoline and more secure water sources (EPA). So what are the recommendations that can be forwarded regarding water contamination problem in the United States? The following suggestions would be helpful to provide a general course of action for authorities and the public. First is to be aware and collaborate with environmental agency regarding presence of contaminants in the community. Acquiring sufficient information can provide citizens with background to sudden introduction of toxic substances. For scientists and experts, there should be more focus on researches on the effects of different chemicals and materials to human health in order to establish appropriate guidelines and standards for private industries to follow. Chemical and manufacturing industries should comply with regulations and find ways to improve industrial waste management. In the part of the policymakers, stricter regulations and monitoring must be drafted and implemented based on advance information to minimize the mistake of taking actions when it is already too late. Conclusion There are several types of toxic water contaminants that can be found in United States groundwater bodies such as aquifers. These chemicals and substances pose severe threat to the health of people living in affected communities. Chemical and manufacturing industries contribute large amounts of these water hazards yearly and states and counties have been identified to be involved in such activities. There is an urgent need to educate the public regarding this issue and government agencies are exerting efforts to provide current and needed information on the effects of toxic chemicals in water sources. Nonetheless, vigilance and cooperation on the part of the public, private industries and policymakers are critical to avert human and environmental disasters. Works Cited EPA. “Drinking Water and MTBE: A Guide for Private-Well Owners.” Environmental Protection Agency. 1 November 2007 EPA. “Drinking Water.” Environmental Protection Agency. 1 November 2007 Smith, K. R., C. Corvalan, and T. Kjellstrom. “How Much Global Ill Health Is Attributable to Environmental Factors?” Epidemiology 10 (1999): 573–84. US PEF. “Toxic Pollution and Health: An Analysis of Toxic Chemicals Released in Communities across the United States.” US PIRG Education Fund. March 2007. 1 November 2007 WWF. “Rich Countries, Poor Water.” WWF Freshwater Program. 2006. 1 November 2007 Read More