RO IS DANGEROUS

Experts point to health problems associated with mineral depletion and caution against the widely held idea that RO-filtered water is the best. Retaining critical minerals requires keeping TDS levels between 200 and 250 mg/L. Health professionals and the WHO advise against using ROs excessively.

WARNING: Experts warned against the widely held belief that reverse osmosis (RO) filtered water is the healthiest choice during a recent webinar on RO systems. They stressed that contrary to common assumption, this filtered water, devoid of necessary dissolved solids, may be harmful to one’s health. Dr. Atul V. Maldhure, principal scientist at the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute in Nagpur, emphasised that maintaining a specific level of total dissolved solids (TDS) is essential if RO is to be used.

Unfavourable Health Impacts and Global Practices
EXPERT drew attention to global examples, including the unfavourable outcomes seen in Slovakia and Czechoslovakia following five years of RO water use mandates. Mineral deficiencies were the cause of complaints of physical aches, memory loss, cramping, and exhaustion in the muscles. In order to sustain optimal health, WHO recommendations recommend a specific mineral concentration per litre of water.

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.

Author: Master Vikrant RohinMaster Vikrant Rohin is an international author, and more than four countries’ schools are using his books in the core curriculum of education. He is the author of twenty different subject books. History, Economics, Chemistry, Physics, English, Biology, Geography etc. Most of his students hold high-ranking positions in the public and private sectors. He has cracked the world’s toughest exam, the "Civil Services Examination (UPSC)," eight times. Always a topper in academics, he was also a top-class sportsman, a state boxer, and a basketball player.