| Hydrocarbons are found everywhere and are a | | | | contamination was a direct result of hydrocarbon |
| primary source of energy; however, hydrocarbons in | | | | methyl tertiary butyl ether seepage into groundwater |
| drinking water can cause health risks many are at a | | | | from underground storage tanks. |
| loss to deal with. The knowledge individuals acquire | | | | Studies have determined that exposure to |
| about this compound and the steps they take to | | | | hydrocarbons can lead to liver and kidney damage as |
| ensure the safety of themselves and family member | | | | well as gastrointestinal problems, and nervous system |
| could save a life. | | | | damage. Additionally, prolonged exposure can result |
| The organic nature of these compounds sometimes | | | | not only in hematological problems, but a variety of |
| makes them difficult to control. Frequently found in | | | | cancers as well. As with any medical condition, |
| substances such as crude oil, they can become | | | | treatment after the fact is always more difficult and |
| gases, liquids, polymers, solids, or waxes. Where H2o | | | | costly than prevention. |
| pollution is concerned, they often have a negative | | | | Signs and symptoms can result in early detection and |
| impact and eventually filter from the ground into the | | | | treatment. If exposed one may notice health |
| tap that individuals' use on a daily basis. | | | | problems such as an increased sensitivity to various |
| Ultimately, the entire biological community can be | | | | chemical compounds, immune system inadequacy, |
| negatively affected and, when this discharge enters | | | | excess bleeding when cut, or anemia. Ultimately, the |
| the public supply that enters people's homes, health | | | | brain itself can be negatively impacted through an |
| issues can arise. It only takes a minuscule amount of | | | | increased irritability of the brain's limbic system. |
| these hydrocarbons to contaminate a huge supply of | | | | Prevention is the easiest part. H2o coming into a |
| groundwater. Unfortunately, today's water treatment | | | | home should be filtered. This includes not only drinking |
| technologies are still at a loss as to how to eradicate | | | | supplies, but that which comes into contact with the |
| them entirely before it is transferred to individual | | | | human body through showers, laundry, or in any |
| users. | | | | other way. Additionally, for those with children who |
| One are significantly affected within the past few | | | | like to run in sprinklers or swim in a pool in the |
| years was Santa Monica, California which resulted in | | | | summer, the best prevention is to ensure that only |
| the interruption of drinking liquid services to a large | | | | filtered H2o is used. |
| population residing in the area. It was determined the | | | | |