Skip to content

Besides, the sense of safety offered by bottled water is a…

“Besides, the sense of safety offered by bottled water is a mirage. It turns out that breathing, not drinking, constitutes our main route of exposure to volatile pollutants in tap water, such as solvents, pesticides, and byproducts of water chlorination. As soon as the toilet is flushed or the…” quote by Sandra Steingraber
Download Open image
“Besides, the sense of safety offered by bottled water is a mirage. It turns out that breathing, not drinking, constitutes our main route of exposure to volatile pollutants in tap water, such as solvents, pesticides, and byproducts of water chlorination. As soon as the toilet is flushed or the faucet turned on-or the bathtub, the shower, the humidifier, the washing machine-these contaminants leave the water and enter the air. A recent study shows that the most efficient way of exposing yourself to chemical contaminants in tap water is to turn on a dishwasher.”

Sandra Steingraber

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She explains that inhaling volatile pollutants from water use poses a greater health risk than drinking the water itself.

In simple terms: Airborne chemicals from water are a hidden danger.

Key Takeaway

Ventilate and use filtration to reduce exposure.

Themes

environment health exposure

Mood

concerned informative

Type

educational advisory

When to use this quote

  • home cleaning
  • dishwasher use
  • ventilation strategies

Key Concepts

volatile organic compounds indoor air quality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we measure actual exposure levels?
  • What practical steps reduce inhalation risks?
A Different Perspective

May overstate risk without context.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sandra Steingraber

Explore all 21 Sandra Steingraber quotes

More Air quotes

Browse all 6,278 Air quotes