Concerns Raised by WHO and Health Professionals
Backing these concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against the excessive use of RO filters. In a statement dating back to 2019, WHO highlighted the detrimental effects of consuming water devoid of essential minerals. Dr. Anil Arora, head of gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, suggested opting for boiled water post-filtration to eliminate impurities like nitrates, as boiling effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms.
Adverse Health Effects and International Precedents
Drawing attention to international precedents, Dr. Arora mentioned the adverse effects observed in Czechoslovakia and Slovakia after five years of mandatory RO water consumption. Complaints of muscle fatigue, cramps, body aches, and memory loss surfaced due to mineral deficiencies. WHO guidelines recommend specific mineral content per liter of water to maintain optimal health.
Deprivation of Essential Minerals
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Ashwini Setya, senior consultant in gastroenterology at Medanta Hospital, emphasized the deprivation of essential minerals by RO water filtration. While acknowledging the removal of harmful elements, Dr. Setya highlighted the repercussions of mineral depletion, including fatigue and compromised immunity. The absence of a perfect solution underscores the importance of considering alternative methods, such as boiling water after filtration to preserve essential minerals.
Regulatory Oversight and Public Awareness
In light of these concerns, regulatory bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have been tasked with overseeing water purification systems. However, a recent RTI reply revealed that quality testing of RO water by major companies has not been conducted by CPCB, citing that drinking water quality falls outside its purview. Nonetheless, discussions during the webinar underscored the need for regulatory measures to ensure the safe and balanced use of water purification technologies.
