Are You at Risk? Health Consequences of Consuming Drinking Water
Drinking contaminated water can lead to a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, liver and kidney damage, and developmental risks, particularly in children and pregnant women. Common contaminants include bacteria, lead, PFAS chemicals, and pesticides. PFAS—known as “forever chemicals”—are linked to liver damage, cancer, and immune system issues.
Our team of attorneys at Douglas & London understands the complexity of an environmental toxic exposure lawsuit. If you have experienced serious side effects from drinking contaminated water, call now to speak to our knowledgeable staff or submit an online contact form. We will provide a full complimentary case evaluation to determine which parties may be liable for your injuries and their related costs.
Common Health Conditions
Common contaminants in drinking water, like lead, bacteria, and industrial chemicals such as PFAS, can lead to both acute illnesses and long-term health problems, including the following:
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastrointestinal illnesses can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. These diseases often arise from bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated water that enter the body through ingestion. Common pathogens associated with waterborne gastrointestinal issues include E. coli, Salmonella, Giardia, and Norovirus, each leading to digestive problems.
Studies have also linked PFAS exposure to inflammatory digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Lead Poisoning
Lead is a harmful contaminant that can enter your drinking water through old pipes or plumbing fixtures. When older pipes or fixtures made of lead corrode, particularly if the water is acidic or has a high mineral content, lead can leach into the water supply. This issue is common in areas with older infrastructure, where lead-based pipes, solder, or fixtures were widely used until regulations changed in the 1980s.
Consuming lead-contaminated water can cause lead to accumulate in your body over time and have various health consequences, such as:
- Damage to the nervous system
- Impaired brain function
- Kidney damage
- Anemia
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies absorb it more quickly than adults.
Respiratory Issues
When contaminated water is used in showers, humidifiers, or for cleaning, harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or metals can become aerosolized, making them easily inhalable. Illnesses include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
Neurological Disorders
Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to neurological disorders. For example, long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness or tingling in the extremities. Other chemicals like manganese and mercury can also affect brain function and lead to neurological issues such as cognitive impairments, motor dysfunction, neuromuscular issues, and mood disorders.
Compromised Immune System
Drinking contaminated water can also weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illnesses and infections. This is especially true for those with underlying health conditions who are already struggling to fight off disease-causing agents.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Populations most at risk from exposure to contaminants in water include the following:
- Infants and Young Children: Their developing bodies and brains are highly sensitive to contaminants like lead, mercury, and nitrates, which can impact growth, cognitive function, and development.
- Pregnant women: Exposure to toxins in drinking water, such as PFAS and mercury, can cross the placental barrier, potentially leading to developmental issues, congenital disabilities, and low birth weight in newborns.
- Seniors: Older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, are more susceptible to neurotoxic effects from contaminants. Exposure can worsen cognitive decline, increase the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions.
- People with compromised immune systems: Those with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to chronic illness or immune-suppressing medications) may experience heightened sensitivity to contaminants in water, making them more susceptible to neurological and systemic effects from exposure.
- Individuals with chronic illnesses: Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease may also face a higher risk when consuming contaminated water.
Call Douglas & London to Schedule a Free Consultation
Environmental contamination cases can be highly complex, involving extensive technical and scientific evidence. Defendants, in these cases, are typically large companies that can spend a fortune on their legal teams and will often do everything possible to avoid accountability. You need a law firm with a successful track record in taking on deep-pocketed defendants in water contamination cases and coming out on top.
At Douglas & London, a toxic exposure attorney will thoroughly investigate your claim, subpoena documents if necessary, take sworn statements called depositions, and help you collect all the medical evidence, environmental research, and expert testimony you need to prove your claim in court. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
