The Impact of Water Contamination on Your Nervous System

Water contamination affects everyone in one way or another. For some, it has a direct impact on their livelihoods and lives. But for others, the damage caused by water contamination is more subtle or even insidious.

It impacts their health in ways people don’t always realize until it’s too late. The contaminants in the water can lead to numerous health problems. It must be noted that Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are found in 83% of waterways in the US. This article will explore how water contamination might affect your nervous system and what you can do if drinking water isn’t safe.

The Nervous System and Its Functions

The nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for sending and receiving information to and from the body. The brain is protected by bones called skull bones, while vertebrae protect the spinal cord.

The nervous system works like a telephone system. It sends messages across long distances using electrical impulses, which travel through nerves throughout your body. These electrical impulses are sent by tiny nerve cells called neurons connecting different body parts.

The Impact of Water Contamination on the Nervous System

The nervous system is the body’s control center, and the contaminants inside the water can impact the nervous system in different ways, leading to some lasting health problems. Some of these nervous system problems contaminated water can cause include the following:

Developmental Delays

Developmental delays can include various conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease, learning disabilities, and mental retardation.

Some children with developmental delays may be unable to speak or walk on time. Data from the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) shows that around 1 out of 6 children in the US in the age range of 3-17 years have some developmental disorder.

If you suspect your child might have been exposed to water contamination during pregnancy or when young, talk with your doctor about getting them screened for these conditions. Camp Lejeune’s water contamination is one of the most popular examples of neonates having developmental problems like Parkinson’s disease due to water contamination exposure in the mother’s womb.

Situated in North Carolina, Camp Lejeune was supplied with contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. So children of then-pregnant wives of veterans have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and other developmental disorders.

If your child or a loved one has faced this problem due to the Camp Lejeune water contamination exposure, you can now file a lawsuit to claim your compensation. Research a law firm to help you with the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

One of the most important things to consider during your research is accreditations. Most firms will have a testimonial page on their website and have a rating based on them. The ratings received by TorHoerman Law are 5-star based on 55 reviews. One of the reviews read that the staff kept the client in the loop throughout the lawsuit. Hence, the client was satisfied with the outcomes.

Cognitive Impairment

The brain is the most critical organ in the body, and it’s made up of neurons, which are connected by synapses. Your brain has a complex system of neurons and synapses that allow it to function significantly.

The nervous system controls your thinking, feeling, and movement by sending electrical signals through nerves that lead from your spinal cord into other parts of your body, such as arms or legs, and back again so they can talk with each other efficiently.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are diseases of the nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The symptoms of neurological disorders vary depending on what part of your body is affected.

Neurological disorders are common across the USA and affect many people. According to the World Federation of Neurology, 14% of the US population is affected by non-communicable neurological diseases. Moreover, the study also says that the number is expected to almost triple by 2050.

There are many causes of neurological disorders, including injury to the brain or spinal cord, infection, toxins in food or water, and environmental chemicals such as lead from paint chips. You can reduce your chances of developing a neurological condition by taking care not to get any cuts on your hands when working with sharp tools such as knives or scissors because these wounds provide an entry point for bacteria into the bloodstream.

Seizures

Seizures are a symptom of brain damage. Many different things, including brain damage, can cause them. Some types of brain damage can cause seizures, but not all do.

It’s important to note that just because you have a seizure doesn’t mean your nervous system has been damaged permanently or even for a long time. It could simply be an isolated incident caused by something else entirely.

Contaminants That Are Known to Impact the Nervous System

• Lead is a heavy metal that affects the nervous system and can cause brain damage. Lead poisoning is most common in children, but adults exposed to lead as children can also develop symptoms as they age.
• Mercury is another heavy metal that has been linked to neurological impairment in both adults and children. Mercury poisoning can occur when you eat fish with high levels of mercury or if you come into contact with mercury-containing products. According to the Safe Drinking Water Act under EPA, the maximum mercury contaminant level or MCL is 0.002 mg/L.
• Pesticides and solvents are chemicals used on crops or manufacturing plants. These chemicals may get into your drinking water supply if not properly disposed of before entering lakes or rivers where people use tap water for drinking purposes. These substances have been shown to affect memory function by damaging important nerve cells within your brain’s hippocampus region.

Prevention and Treatment of Water Contamination-Related Nervous System Damage

Prevention is the best medicine, and you can avoid contaminated water by following these simple steps:

• Drink bottled, filtered, or boiled tap water instead of tap water that has not been properly treated.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers and before eating food.
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Take supplements such as zinc carnosine, an antioxidant supplement that helps boost immune function.

Conclusion

The nervous system is complex, but it’s important to know what can affect it and how to prevent that damage from happening. If you or someone in your family has been exposed to contaminated water, seek medical attention immediately for testing and treatment options.