Safety Experts Weigh in on Dangers of Latest Health Craze Trend “Raw Water”

Recently, The Washington Post published an article outlining the dangers of the “raw water” movement, the latest health trend that has been sweeping the nation. Suppliers have sold consumers on the idea of drinking water directly from nature without the use of urban water treatment processes, which often contain chemicals such as chlorine.

Experts are warning that by ignoring recommended water safety practices, companies may not only be providing beneficial bacteria and possible minerals from the earth, but also “dangerous bacteria, viruses and parasites that can make you sick.” Experts also note the benefits received from the trace minerals in “raw water” do not exceed the high risk of dangers associated with consuming unfiltered water and similar minerals can be consumed through a healthy diet.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by federal law to establish conditions for safe tap water while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standardizes how water is bottled and sold to consumers. David Jones, a Harvard Medical School professor states, “All in all, we have an incredibly safe and reliable water supply in the United States.”

“Without proper filtration or testing, the cleanliness of ’raw water’ is impossible to determine and consumers are putting their health at risk,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, Legionella Subject Matter Expert at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “What consumers can’t see in ’raw water’ from natural springs or lakes are the possible parasites from animals or groundwater contamination from naturally occurring elements such as arsenic, radon, or uranium that are endangering their health. Water treatment eliminates these dangers as it aims to remove harmful pathogens like E.coli, Legionella, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia.”

Helping to ensure people are not exposed to harmful contaminants in drinking water are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL analyzes samples for heavy metals, microbial contaminants and other pollutants. EMSL even offers an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit. They also recently sponsored an educational video about drinking water contaminants that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/lm1un5ow_zA.

To learn more about water testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access the Drinking Water Test Kit, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail