Copper, a mineral that our body needs but also a culprit behind many health issues, has become increasingly a concern for those who have plumbing pipes made from this material. According to the EPA, the acceptable amount of copper consumption via water is 1,300 parts per billion, the lowest adverse health level for consumption. As copper piping ages, the risk of it leaching into our water becomes greater. Newer homes face another problem; the coating inside pipes that naturally assists in alleviating (to some degree) copper in our water hasn’t yet formed and therefore presents a greater opportunity of being present in drinking water. If copper begins to leach into your drinking water various signs/symptoms are more than likely to occur, followed by long term effects to your health.
Symptoms caused by excessive copper can include: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Emotional distress (fight/flight syndrome), ADHD, mood swings, headaches.
Long term effects: Liver and kidney damage, cancer, anemia and (possibly) Alzheimer’s.
What can I do to prevent exposure to copper in my water? A filter is the best way to help resolve what comes through your water pipes and into your faucet, for your consumption. Our pipes build a coating over time, which in turn helps resist the exposure to copper. Newer homes have more of chance of exposure to copper, as this film has not yet developed. The longer water sits in a pipe line (i.e. six or more hours) the longer you need to run the water (30-60 seconds) before using (cooking, consumption). Never use hot water from the tap, as it is more likely to have the presence of copper than cold water.
Research and discovery of the effects of copper minerals in water: Dr. Larry Sparks, of the Sun Health Research Institute, conducted testing on rabbits to confirm the possible effects of trace amounts of copper and learning deficiency. Even though the rabbits tested consumed levels of copper much lower than what was considered at risk for humans, Dr. Sparks concluded that the problem with copper has a greater effect on the brains ability to clear accumulated amyloid plaques (clumps of protein fragments that accumulate outside of cells and found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients) after excessive exposure to copper. Whether or not the rabbit testing fully compares to the effects on humans is still at question. However, the NIH (National Institute of Health) found Dr. Sparks report viable enough to consider ongoing study of the effects of both cholesterol and copper on the brain’s ability to learn and recall (memory).
So what if you want to know if there’s a possible problem? Third party testing labs (i.e. NSF International) will either perform or refer you to a certified water quality lab in your area.
What if you’ve already been exposed to toxic levels of copper? Be proactive. Zinc and magnesium supplements can be a natural counter balance to copper. Toxic cleansing can help/assist in riding our bodies of excessive toxins. Consuming healthy amounts of antioxidants on a daily basis (plant food) will help rebuild, replenish and restore your body’s ability to fight toxins that enter into your body. Seek out a nutritionist or clinical dietician for advice on what you can do naturally (via diet and detoxification) to help your body rid excessive levels of copper.
What can I do now? Preventative measures for plumbing pipes and erosion include a newer product called Flow Guard Gold CPVC piping and fittings. If you’re in an existing home try installing a household reverse osmosis system for entire your home to filter out damaging toxins that enter into your water. Call a water purification specialist and ask for a free estimate and test sampling of your current water. You can also purchase water test kits at Lowe’s and Home Depot or through the internet (i.e. http://www.prolabinc.com/products.asp?kit=waterquality)
Quick Tip for Wellness: Prevention is equal to protection when it comes to your health and wellness.
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