Does Reverse Osmosis Water Cause Cancer?
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Oct 18, 2023
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There are a lot of myths floating around on the internet when it comes to the potential adverse effects of reverse osmosis water.
In fact, some of them are pretty out there, like ‘reverse osmosis water causes cancer’!
Is there any truth to this rumor? Let’s find out.
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Key Takeaways
- Reverse osmosis water does not cause cancer. It is not harmful and, in fact, effectively removes carcinogenic contaminants from our water supply.
- If specific contaminants that do actually cause cancer, like hexavalent chromium, are a concern, consider investing in an RO system.
Does Reverse Osmosis Water Cause Cancer?
So, does reverse osmosis water cause cancer?
No, reverse osmosis water does not cause cancer.
Contrary to common misconceptions, reverse osmosis (RO) water is not harmful. In fact, reverse osmosis a reliable method to remove carcinogenic contaminants from our water supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised RO as an effective water purification method and recommends remineralization before consumption to reintroduce necessary minerals lost in the process. RO filtered tap water can even be better for your health than bottled water, thanks to stricter regulations.
While it’s true that RO water is low in total dissolved solids (TDS), this doesn’t make it hazardous or carcinogenic. Despite some outdated studies suggesting it is unsafe, people have consumed low-TDS water for extended periods without any reported health issues.
The idea that RO water lacks essential minerals and is, therefore, unhealthy is also misleading. Our primary source of essential minerals isn’t water but food. Yes, RO water does have fewer minerals than regular tap water, but these can be added back post-filtration.
What is more of a concern and more likely to be carcinogenic are contaminants found in certain home water supplies, such as hexavalent chromium, which is linked to stomach cancers. If your water is contaminated with such things, then it is highly recommended to implement an effective water contaminant removal system, such as reverse osmosis.
Does Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Have Any Other Side Effects?
Although osmosis water has numerous advantages, it does have a couple of drawbacks, though these drawbacks are not necessarily harmful.
- Flavor changes: If you’re used to a specific taste from your water, the flavor of reverse osmosis water might be disappointing. The absence of additional “flavors” isn’t necessarily harmful, as it means you’re consuming very pure water (the impurities are what create flavor!). However, if you prefer the previous taste, it might take some getting used to.
- Mineral depletion: Water naturally contains various minerals, some of which provide health benefits. Unfortunately, reverse osmosis filtration can be too thorough in removing almost all minerals and contaminants. It is advisable to reintroduce magnesium and calcium into demineralized water before consumption, including water used for cooking.
Health Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water
If the quality of your local water supply is a concern, reverse osmosis water purification could be beneficial. RO provides numerous health advantages, including the ability to filter contaminants, lower sodium content, eradicate parasites or bacteria, and offer safer hydration overall for those with compromised immune systems.
Superior Filtration Process
RO water undergoes a filtration process using a membrane filter that blocks harmful microbes. But not only that, the purified water is devoid of almost all types of contaminants. RO can eliminate toxic compounds such as phosphates, lead, arsenic, mercury, cyanide, and ammonia at a rate of up to 99%. These compounds can lead to severe health problems, including organ complications, cancer, reproductive issues, and eye conditions.
Protection Against Lead Contamination
Lead, a common contaminant in U.S. drinking supplies, can enter drinking water through corroded pipes. Even small amounts of lead can result in nerve damage, fertility issues, increased blood pressure, muscle damage, developmental problems, and brain damage. Commercial RO water systems can effectively remove lead from your water supply.
Reduced Sodium Levels
RO water is significantly low in sodium levels, eliminating between 90 to 95 percent of sodium from water. This is advantageous for those following a low-sodium diet, as high sodium intake can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney or liver problems.
Elimination of Parasites and Bacteria
RO water is also efficient at eradicating parasites and bacteria. It can filter out waterborne parasites like cryptosporidium and giardia, which can cause intestinal complications, especially in children. RO water can also provide safer hydration for those with a compromised immune system, such as cancer patients, offering them water free from harmful microbes.
Removal of Carcinogenic Contaminants
Carcinogens, which are cancer-causing substances, can be found in tap water and pose a significant health risk. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a study and identified 22 carcinogenic contaminants in tap water, including arsenic and chromium-6, linked to skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. Disinfection by-products, radioactive elements, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have also been identified. VOCs have been associated with leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Exposure to these substances could lead to 4 in 10,000 people developing cancer over their lifetime. This highlights the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for effective solutions, such as a home reverse osmosis system.
So, where do these dangerous contaminants come from? Much is from unsafe disposal of pollutants in the home or industry. Proper disposal of unused medications, birth control pills, paint, motor oil, pesticides, cleaners, and other chemical-based items can prevent the contaminants from getting into our water supplies in the first place. Before discarding such items, it’s advisable to consult your local health or hazardous waste departments for information on safe disposal procedures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website provides valuable insights and tips.
Below are just a few carcinogenic contaminants that a home RO system can remove.
Arsenic
Rocks naturally contain this substance, and it may also be present as a result of industrial and agricultural activities. Groundwater in all states has been found to have arsenic, posing a widespread concern.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a drinking water limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for arsenic concentration, although it has not completely banned it. Researchers emphasize that even minimal levels of arsenic can significantly increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Various types of cancer can be caused by arsenic, including bladder, lung, skin, kidney, nasal passage, liver, and prostate.
Further Reading:
Chromium 6
Chromium-6, also called hexavalent chromium, is another harmful substance brought to the world’s attention in the Erin Brockovich case. Chromium-6 occurs naturally in the environment and can be found in drinking water, industrial sites, and even some household products.
This tasteless and odorless metallic element can be found naturally in various sources such as rocks, plants, soil, volcanic dust, animals, and ash. Its presence in the environment can be attributed to natural erosion and human activities. Improper storage, leakage, or mishandling of industrial waste can result in the release of chromium-6.
Chromium-6 finds its application in diverse industries, including steel production, chrome plating, pigment and dye manufacturing, wood and leather preservation, and power plant cooling systems.
Recognizing its potential risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a standard limit of 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/l) for total chromium in drinking water, equivalent to 100 parts per billion. Still, even minimal exposure to chromium-6 can lead to serious health complications, including skin burns, pneumonia, pregnancy complications, and stomach cancer.
Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) form when water utilities treat drinking water to kill any microbes in it. Ozonation and UV purification are common techniques used in this process. However, after leaving the distribution system, water can still be contaminated on its way to consumers’ homes. Thus, an additional treatment step is necessary to prevent the regrowth of organisms during this journey, usually chlorine.
While chlorine protects against waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera, it can produce carcinogenic byproducts such as chloroform (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and bromate. THMs are regulated by the EPA with a maximum annual average limit of 80 parts per billion, while HAAs have a limit of 60 parts per billion, and bromate has a limit of 10 parts per billion. Chlorite, a potential by-product from chlorine dioxide disinfection, is regulated at one part per million by the EPA.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are substances that easily turn into gases or vapors. They are emitted during the burning of fuels like wood, gasoline, natural gas, and coal. VOCs are also present in numerous consumer products, such as cigarettes, paints, preservatives, disinfectants, and air fresheners.
Two VOCs, vinyl chloride and benzene, are very dangerous. Vinyl chloride pollutes drinking water from plastic factories, while benzene, released from petroleum processing and waste sites, can harm blood cells and the nervous system.
The EPA regulates 23 VOCs but not trichloropropane and six others. The EPA is currently assessing their health risks and prevalence to determine if regulations are necessary.
Pesticides
1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is a harmful chemical, often found in industrial or hazardous waste areas and known to contaminate drinking water in farming regions, causing cancer. 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), a banned pesticide, was found to cause sterility in men and has been linked to cancer in lab animals – and these are just 2 examples!
Pesticide exposure is a concern especially in areas with well water, as agricultural runoff can contaminate wells easily.
If you have any thoughts about the question, can RO water cause cancer, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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