Could Your Office Pipes Be Laced With Toxins?
Do you ever feel like something is lurking in your office that could be causing harm? If so, it could be the old pipes running through your building. It sounds odd, but those rusty and dingy pipes may contain toxins that can affect the health of employees and visitors alike.
In this blog post, Artesian Bottleless Water will explain why older pipes are a potential hazard to your workplace and how to make sure everyone stays safe from their harmful effects with the right bottleless water cooler. We’ll cover what sorts of contaminants might be found in these pipelines, how to detect them if they are present, and steps that can be taken to reduce their impact on the environment around us.
The Problem With Old Pipes
Having a conducive working environment is essential when it comes to getting things done in the office. But what if this space where you’re spending hours dreaming up creative projects and hustling your way to success might be sabotaging your health? Old pipes—especially those that haven’t been updated in the past decade or two—pose a significant health risk. Here’s how.
Many offices still contain lead and asbestos.
Lead pipes can cause lead poisoning if the water they carry passes through them, while asbestos can release tiny particles into the air that can be breathed in and cause disease. Also, old pipes are more likely to leak, damaging water and contaminating other areas. Lead levels can be exceptionally high in wells and other sources of groundwater.
You’re breathing in the air from your office’s pipes everywhere.
If the pipes running through your office are old and filled with contaminants, the air you breathe in the office could be contaminated as well. The air quality of an office can affect everyone who spends time there, from employees to visitors. Inhaling dangerous particles from these pipes can cause long-term health issues such as cancer, respiratory problems, and neurological damage.
The people sitting closest to the pipes often suffer the most.
Those who sit closest to the pipes are exposed to their contaminants more often than those further away. This can lead to various human health issues, such as headaches, fatigue, and even organ damage in extreme cases.
Your eye problems could be coming from asbestos, too.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that lines the eyelids and whites of the eyes. This is potentially dangerous, as it can lead to serious damage to your eyesight if left untreated.
Indoor air pollution is far worse than outdoor pollution.
The World Health Organization estimates indoor air pollution is two to five times worse than outdoor air pollution, depending on the area. This means that any contaminants in your office’s pipes can have even more significant long-term health consequences for those who spend time there.
How Office Pipe Can Get Into The Water Supply
It’s no secret that our water supply is potentially in danger – but do you know what some of the biggest threats are? You may be surprised to learn that common office toxins, such as pipe cleaning chemicals, lead contamination, and general building materials, can sneak into the groundwater table.
These office pipes laced with toxins can harm ecosystems and biodiversity and present adverse health effects for anyone near their source. That’s why it’s essential to understand where these contaminants might originate from and how we can prevent them from entering our water supply.
Lead and copper pipes are the biggest culprits.
Lead and copper pipes are most commonly used in many office buildings, which can be a source of contamination if they’re not properly maintained. These heavy metals oxidize when exposed to water, creating tiny particles of lead or copper in our drinking water supply. Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including brain damage and developmental issues; copper exposure can result in gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, and other complications.
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can also be present in some pipes. These chemicals, usually found in electrical insulation and coatings, can seep into our water supply if they’re not properly contained. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of PCBs that can enter a drinking water source, so any excess of these chemicals could pose a serious health risk.
Chromium 6
Chromium 6, a human carcinogen, is often used as a coating for metal pipes. It’s especially dangerous if ingested, as it has been linked to kidney and liver damage. The US EPA recommends that levels of chromium below 0.05 parts per billion (ppb) are safe for human consumption. However, if your pipes contain higher levels of chromium 6, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.
Phthalates
Phthalates are hazardous chemicals often used in plastics to make them more durable and flexible. The problem is phthalates can leach into the water supply if these pipes are not adequately sealed. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that any levels of phthalates over 0.03 parts per million (ppm) should not be present in drinking water. It’s essential to get your pipes inspected and replaced if you suspect they may contain high levels of these dangerous compounds.
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself and Your Office From Office Pipes Laced With Toxins?
We all expect the places we work to be safe and healthy. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, especially concerning toxins-filled pipes. It can be shocking to find out your office has pipes laced with harmful substances, but knowledge is power! Here are some tips on what you can do to protect yourself from it. Keep reading to ensure you’re taking adequate steps so nothing catches you off guard!
For the sake of public health, insist on filtered water.
The most obvious solution to the problem of office pipes laced with toxins is to filter all the tainted water that comes through them. This way, any toxins in the pipes won’t make it into the office drinking water.
With a bottleless water cooler, you get pure, refreshing clean drinking water that’s gone through several stages of filtration, including reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis water systems can remove particles as small as 0.02 microns in size, which is more than enough to filter out most harmful contaminants.
Investigate your plumbing and inspect pipes regularly.
Another way to protect yourself from office pipes laced with toxins is to inspect them regularly. Implement a corrosion control program and check leaks and any other signs of damage that might indicate a contamination risk. If you find any problems, contact a professional to assess the situation and recommend appropriate action.
Contact an experienced plumber to inspect your pipes.
If you’re concerned about the safety of your pipes, it’s best to contact an experienced plumber. They can help detect any potential toxins that may be present and recommend the best course of action. They can also advise you on the best materials for pipe replacement.
Stay informed and get tested regularly.
Finally, it’s crucial to stay informed about toxins in the water and get tested regularly. Testing can help identify any contaminants present, allowing you to take the necessary steps to protect your health. Ensure that you drink filtered water and avoid using old pipes that may contain toxins.
Enjoy Fresh And Clean Water In Your Office With Artesian Bottleless Water Coolers
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your office drinking water is free of toxins and contaminants, making it a healthier and safer environment for everyone.
A bottleless water cooler from Artesian Bottleless Water is a great way to hydrate your office with clean, filtered water. These coolers come equipped with filters that remove contaminants from the water, making it safe to drink. Plus, they’re much more cost effective than bottled water and are better for the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start enjoying clean and healthy water in your office today when you get a free 7-day trial started.
