Last Friday, a major chemical leak occurred in a Trinseo PLC chemical plant in Philadelphia. The incident involved a ruptured pipeline, which caused around 8,100 gallons (about 30,662 liters) of water-soluble acrylic polymer to spill into the Octoraro Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for approximately 14 million people across four states. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tap water in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. So can you drink tap water in Philadelphia after Philadelphia chemical spill? is philadelphia water safe to drink now? In this article, we will explore whether it is safe to drink tap water in Philadelphia after the chemical leak and what precautions you should take to ensure your safety.
Background Info of the Chemical Leak in Philadelphia
Why are we suddenly discussing the issue of is tap water safe to drink in Philadelphia today? It's because there was a chemical spill last week. Over 8,100 gallons of a latex-finishing solution were leaked into a Bucks County creek around midnight last Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Although city officials have stated that no contaminants have been detected in the water system, they previously recommended that residents take precautions when using tap water for cooking or drinking.
What Chemicals were Leaked in Delaware River in Philadelphia?
More than 8,100 gallons of a latex-finishing solution, which included chemicals such as acrylic polymers,butyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate were leaked into Delaware River in Philadelphia.
A latex-finishing solution is a liquid mixture used to provide a protective and decorative coating for various surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastics. It contains a variety of chemical components, including acrylic polymers and butyl acrylate. Butyl acrylate is a common component of latex-finishing solutions. It is used as a co-monomer along with other chemicals to produce various types of latex polymers that are used in a range of applications, including paints, adhesives, and coatings. In the case of the recent chemical spill in Philadelphia, the latex-finishing solution that leaked into the creek contained butyl acrylate as one of its components. Here we will explore the specific risks of this chemical spill, which is also the reason why we consider the issue is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink.
Specific Health Risks of Latex-finishing Solution like Butyl Acrylate in Water
The specific health risks associated with latex-finishing solution containing butyl acrylate in water depend on the concentration and duration of exposure. Butyl acrylate is a flammable, colorless liquid with a pungent odor and can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of butyl acrylate can also cause respiratory and nervous system effects, including headache, dizziness, and confusion.
If ingested, butyl acrylate can cause gastrointestinal irritation and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to butyl acrylate has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, particularly for workers who are exposed to high levels of the chemical on a regular basis.
It is important to note that the amount of butyl acrylate in the water from the recent chemical spill in Philadelphia is not known, but officials have advised residents to take precautions as a safety measure.
So Can You Drink Tap Water in Philadelphia after this Chemical Leak? Is Philadelphia Water Safe to Drink
You'd better not. Despite the Philadelphia Water Department's assurance that tap water is safe to drink, residents continue to worry and hoard bottled water.
(Areas affected by the chemical spill in the Delaware River)
Initially urging caution, officials have since adjusted their stance, with the water from the Buck's drinking water treatment plant declared safe for consumption. So what areas are affected by the chemical spill in the Delaware River severely? Aqua has identified the areas it serves that are at risk of being impacted by the spill, which includes Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Croydon, and Lower Bensalem. Residents in these areas should exercise extra caution when using their water supply. So is tap water safe to drink in Philadelphia after this spill? Based the above potential risks that the leaked chemical may contian, we recommend taking an extra precautionary step by using a water filter for purification to further ensure your family's health and safety.
What Can Filter the Latex-finishing Solution like Butyl Acrylate out of Water?
Since we get the answer to is Philly tap water safe to drink is NO, so what can we do to filter the latex-finishing solution of water? Latex-finishing solutions, including butyl acrylate, can be difficult to remove from water through traditional filtration methods due to their small particle size and water solubility. However, reverse osmosis (RO) is an effective method for removing these chemicals from water.
RO filtration system uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water, including dissolved solids and organic chemicals like butyl acrylate. The membrane acts as a barrier, allowing only water molecules to pass through while trapping larger particles and contaminants. In the case of a chemical spill or contamination event, it's always recommended to purify your water to drink, leaving away without the concerns like can you drink tap water in Philadelphia.
Precautions You Should Take When There is a Chemical Leak in Your City
As we know, chemical spills are not uncommon and can pose a serious risk to drinking water. Recent incidents, such as the Ohio train derailment, have raised concerns about is tap water safe to drink in Ohio. When faced with a chemical leak, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Check the following steps when you are facing the chemical leak.
1. Follow instructions from local authorities.
Stay informed about the situation and follow instructions issued by local authorities. They will likely provide information on whether it is safe to drink tap water, what precautions to take, and any other important safety measures.
2. Avoid drinking or cooking with tap water.
If the local authorities advise against drinking tap water, use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the situation is resolved. It is also advisable to avoid using tap water to brush your teeth or wash your face.
3. Don't use contaminated water for bathing.
Chemicals in contaminated water can be absorbed through the skin, so avoid using it to bathe or shower. If you do come into contact with contaminated water, rinse your skin thoroughly with clean water.
4. Properly dispose of contaminated water.
If you have any contaminated water in your home, be sure to dispose of it properly. Do not pour it down the drain or flush it down the toilet, as it can contaminate the sewage system.
5. Install a water purifier.
Consider installing a water filter system that can remove contaminants from your tap water and let you get away with the annoying questions like can you drink tap water in philadelphia after chemical leak. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are effective at removing many types of chemicals from water. Be sure to choose a purifier that is certified by an independent organization such as NSF International.
In conclusion, while city officials have stated that there have been no traces of contaminants found in the water supply, caution is still advised. Therefore, to the question can you drink tap water in philadelphia after this chemical spill, it is highly recommended that residents of Philadelphia install a reliable water purification system to ensure the safety of their drinking and household water. SimPure Y7P reverse osmosis countertop water filter dispenser is a highly effective water filtration system that has been independently tested and certified to meet strict standards set by SGS International, NSF/ANSI 58, and EPA 537. By installing a water filtration system like the SimPure Y7P, residents can have peace of mind knowing that their water is safe for consumption and use!
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