Did you know that there are harmful chemicals in your supposedly safe drinking water? The government has never tried to hide the fact that there are chemicals found in tap water. Government officials like to focus on chemicals that they consider helpful such as fluoride. The emphasis on fluoride has even lead to stories discouraging residents from using filtered tap water because fluoride is needed to protect teeth from decay. Not only can fluoride, which does have some benefits, be found in tap water, but also you can find more harmful chemicals and additives. Listed are the 5 most dangerous chemicals found in tap water supplies across the world.

1. Chlorine

Yes, this chemical kills bacteria in swimming pools and in your drinking water. But this chemical also dries out your skin and hair. This drying chemical, which is in most water supplies, helps the lotion industry to stay afloat.

2. Lead

This is one of the most dangerous chemicals found in tap water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. And unfortunately, the lead can come from your own home and not from the water supply. Unusually high levels of lead can be caused by your pipes, and this does not matter how new or old they are or whether they are made out of copper or lead. The use of filtered tap water is the only way to remove this chemical.

3. Pesticides

Over the past 20 years, scientists say that more pesticides are seeping into the ground water supply. Little is known about the long-term effects of minimum exposure to pesticides while local governments make great strides to keep the pesticide levels known. Exposure could lead to chronic health problems.

4. Benzene

Studies have identified this chemical as a carcinogen and have even gone as far to say it could be a factor in leukemia. In addition to water, benzene is added to gas to increase its octane and is found in cigarette smoke. In order to help eliminate this chemical it is advisable to drink filtered tap water.

5. More heavy metals. Arsenic, mercury and cadmium

These chemicals can seep into a water supply and can go undetected. One area that is particularly vulnerable are urban areas. Nervous system damage, cancer, and in some cases, death, are all results of heavy metals. Studies are still being conducted on the long term effects of these chemicals found in tap water.

Many people have likely been surprised by this information. Why would you wait any longer? Is it your desire to expose your family to these chemicals? Do you want to provide your family with filtered tap water? Installing a water purifier is easier than you think. This is the only guaranteed way to protect your family from the chemicals found in tap water.