Hydration Week is here!

1. Chlorine
   • Used to disinfect water
   • Can cause bad taste, odor, and skin irritation
2. Lead
   • Leaches from old pipes & plumbing
   • Linked to developmental issues, especially in children
3. Mercury
   • Byproduct of industrial waste
   • Can damage kidneys & nervous system
4. Asbestos
   • From aging water mains
   • Potential cancer risk when inhaled or ingested
5. Chloramine
   • Alternative to chlorine for disinfection
   • Can cause skin and respiratory issues
6. VOCS (Volatile Organic Compounds)
   • From pesticides, solvents, & industrial runoff
   • Can affect liver, kidneys & immune system
7. PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
   • Found in non-stick cookware, plastic bottles, & food wrappers. Persistent in drinking water supplies
   • Linked to immune & hormone issues

Look for filters labeled NSF/ANSI 42 (aesthetic effects) and NSF/ANSI 53 (health-related contaminants) to ensure effective protection.