Ensuring water safety is crucial when visiting places with unknown water quality, such as remote camping sites, hiking areas, or foreign countries. Drinking or using contaminated water for cooking, food preparation, and personal hygiene can lead to illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Treating such symptoms without access to medical care or while traveling can be challenging.
Water contamination is more common in areas lacking sanitation or water treatment infrastructure, like campgrounds, remote regions, or certain foreign destinations. Notably, contaminated water may appear clean, underscoring the importance of knowing the water source, its treatment process, and safety before consumption. While bottled water can be a convenient option, it’s essential to be aware of its origin and treatment, especially in remote locations.
Some individuals, such as young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to infections from exposure to contaminated water. To combat waterborne germs effectively, chlorine dioxide water purification drops can be employed, particularly against resistant organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia parasites, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Pathogens found in contaminated water include:
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- Protozoa, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are increasingly widespread in North America.
- Bacteria are present worldwide, with some causing illnesses like diarrhea and dysentery.
- Viruses, which cause diseases like hepatitis and polio, are smaller than bacteria or protozoa.
Chlorine dioxide water purification drops also combat viruses, offering protection against viruses like hepatitis A, rotavirus, norovirus, and others which might not be effectively filtered by most systems in less-developed areas.
Practicing good hygiene, like handwashing with soap and water before handling food, eating, and after using the toilet, is crucial when traveling. If water isn’t readily available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is recommended.
Chlorine dioxide water treatment drops are highly beneficial for various scenarios, including emergency kits, international travel, rural areas, and outdoor activities, as well as preserving stored water. A single kit of these drops can treat up to 120 gallons of water.
The chlorine dioxide water treatment drops come in a two-part chemical kit. Part 1 contains a 22.4% sodium chlorite solution, while Part 2 comprises a 50% citric acid solution. When combined, they form the water purifier (chlorine dioxide), resulting in a yellowish-brown color after 30 seconds of activation. Once activated, the solution can be added to a water bottle, and after waiting for 7 minutes, the water is ready to drink. Longer wait times are necessary for cold water, turbid water, or to inactivate cryptosporidium cysts.
Chlorine dioxide is highly effective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium. When dealing with suspected contamination of Cryptosporidium, it is recommended to let the water sit for 30 minutes before consumption. By following proper water purification procedures, we can safeguard our health and well-being during our travels and adventures.