polluted water

Dirty polluted water is ever present in countries that have poor hygiene and insufficient sanitation.  International travelers who visit developing countries or adventure seekers, who often rely on surface water in any country, including the United States and European countries, are at risk from contracting waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid and amoebiasis.  Worldwide, especially in developing countries, the absence of inadequate sanitation and the pressing issues like over-population and uncontrolled pollution, means that water may be infected with human waste and even urban tap water may become contaminated even with the presence of proper water treatment systems.  Primarily humans, but also animals, are the source of microorganisms that contaminate water sources and cause intestinal infections.

Waterborne pathogens can include everything from bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites to micro-organisms that can cause traveler’s diarrhea.  Diarrhea is the most frequent public health problem directly connected to water and sanitation. Although majority of the most common infections contracted by travelers can also be transmitted by food and through recreational water exposure via accidental water ingestion.  The basic act of proper hand-washing with plain soap and water is often sufficient enough to cut diarrhea by one-third. It is the key to thwarting the waterborne diseases in the bud aside from providing adequate sanitation facilities.

tap water: is it safe to drink?

Bottled drinking water has become the most suitable solution for most travelers.  But oftentimes, bottled water may be not better to tap water.  It is generally advised that international travelers, especially long-staying travelers, should adapt simple methods to guarantee safe drinking water.   One cannot drink bottled water all the time because of environmental problem it presents Disinfection and filtration can remove or destroy harmful micro-organisms.  These methods aim to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases that may cause gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea.  However, these water treatment methods may not be enough to kill some parasitic viruses and organisms.  Children, elderly and those with weak immune system are most likely to be infected or likely to develop waterborne related diseases and infections.  It is important to take better care of your health and avoid contaminated surface water as much as possible.

Swimming and other water sports are likely the culprits for people who seem otherwise careful about what they eat or drink.  Swimmers and water-sports enthusiasts are generally more exposed to waterborne pathogens when they mistakenly ingest water through the mouth, eyes, ears or nose. You can also catch a disease or some infections by merely walking in polluted water especially if you have an open wound.

Water is one of the basics of life and health.  We can live for several days and even weeks without food but we may die in a matter of days without water.  Although water may be the cause of some reported deaths, we still can’t discount the facts of its importance.  In places where you suspect contamination, these safety measures are advised:

• Don’t brush teeth with regular tap water
• Use ice made with safe filtered water
• Drink bottled water if you’re not sure of the water’s safety
• Consult a doctor if you have symptoms of the diseases aforementioned.

Katadyn Bottle 0.75L Water Filter

Encompassing over seventy percent of the Earth’s facade, water is certainly the most precious natural hold back that subsists on our earth. Without the apparently precious mix embraced of oxygen, and hydrogen life on globe would be absent: it is necessary for the whole thing on our earth to grow up and flourish. Even though we as humans are familiar with this actuality, we disrespect it by polluting our tributary, ponds, and deep-seas.

Consequently, we are gradually but definitely damaging our earth to the end where creatures are disappearing at a very disturbing speed. Additionally to blameless creatures vanishing off, our drinking water has turn out to be deeply affected, as is our capability to use water for frivolous reasons. With the intention of conflict water contamination, we have got to recognize the tribulations and grow to be part of the resolution.

Water Pollution caused by man

Water-generated diseases are communicable diseases increased principally by the infected water. Either though these diseases are spread directly or through either flies or grime, water is the principal medium for multiply of these infections and therefore they are termed as water-generated diseases.

parasitic worms

Most intestinal diseases are contagious and are passing on through faecal waste. Pathogens – that comprise protozoa, virus parasitic worms bacteria, and– are disease containing germs set up in the faeces of tainted persons. These syndromes are more ubiquitous in region with deprived hygienic conditions. Such pathogens travel all the way through water resource and transfer straight through personnel usage of water and food. In view of the fact that these diseases are extremely contagious, people looking after an infected patient must maintain tremendous care and cleanliness. Cholera, Hepatitis, typhoid dysentery, and are the further common water-generated diseases that influence largely during travel.

A great number of substances that moreover subsist naturally in the ground or are added because of human activities suspend in the water, thereby polluting it and tending it to a variety of ailments.

A simple tool like the steripen helps elimates bacteria with UV light

Water-generated pandemics and health vulnerability in the marine surroundings are mostly due to inappropriate managing of water sources. Appropriate organization of water resources has turn out to be the necessity of the hour as this would eventually tend to a hygienic and improved atmosphere. Revelation to contaminated water may cause diarrhea, skin annoyance, respiratory troubles, and many other diseases, according to the contaminant that is present in the water body. Sluggish water and other unprocessed water endow with a habitat for the parasite and a swarm of other vermin and bugs that origin a many diseases particularly while traveling..

If we want to put a stop to the multiply of water-generated contagious ailments, people must take sufficient safety measures. The municipality water delivery must be appropriately checked and essential steps taken to make it germ-free it. Water pipes must be checked on a regular basis for cracks and leaks. At house, the water should be filtered, boiled, or other obligatory steps taken to confirm that it is free from contagion.

Or something more sophicated like the Katadyn Water Filter for chemically polluted waters.

]]> http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2009/12/02/impacts-of-water-pollution/feed/ 0 http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2009/11/15/do-you-really-believe-you%e2%80%99re-living-in-the-time-of-the-end/ http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2009/11/15/do-you-really-believe-you%e2%80%99re-living-in-the-time-of-the-end/#comments Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:32:31 +0000 mac http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/?p=2757

This world, without a doubt, is on the verge of a big change. With a change in temperature due to global warming and other such factors, strange things are going to happen in near future. Of course, you can already witness a change in lifestyles, as people are unable to live like before. A simple example is the use of all sorts of water filters and other such gadgets to get pure water. Is it awareness, or something else? Yes, there is a change in technology and brands like SteriPen, Katadyn, etc, has come forward to help people find pure drinking water, but this has surely changed the way people used to live in the past.

This simple example shows it all, but the thing is that changes will be big in future; and, weird as well. The sighting of ominous-looking clouds in hill country seems like the start of this change. The sky-gazers called it turbulent undulation, but it was thought that this atmospheric anomaly could go into the International Cloud Atlas. This will be the first addition in last fifty or so years.

Now, the question is: what is the origin of it? There are different theories behind this phenomenon. Most experts are of the view that this was the combination of drier air below and warmer air above, with a clear boundary in between. And, with the passage of wind, you get a wavy effect that makes it weird for sky-gazers. The formation of such clouds is not new, but it’s due to the change in lifestyle and the use of different digital cameras and gadgets that they are getting such attention in long time. This cloudy formation was new to many people, but there were many who said they have seen it years ago.

However, the other side of the picture is different, which implies that this formation is the early phase of a storm that will be a factor bringing certain changes to the whole region. Well, whatever it is, one thing is for sure that this world will not be a good place to live, unless everyone rises to the occasion and plays his part to deal with issues like air pollution, global warming, and water contamination. Of course, brands like Steripen and Katadyn are there to help, but they are not able to provide you with a permanent solution. So, make sure you don’t let your coming generations face the implications of your wrong doings. Be good and be kind to your environment!

]]> http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2009/11/15/do-you-really-believe-you%e2%80%99re-living-in-the-time-of-the-end/feed/ 0 http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2009/11/09/the-great-outdoors/ http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/2009/11/09/the-great-outdoors/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:52:51 +0000 Lena http://store.applebazaar.com/blog/?p=2540

Adventurers have risked life and limb to experience nature at its unspoiled best

The great outdoors have long been a challenge to the more adventurous travellers.  Whatever their reasons—getting back to nature, curiosity or self-renewal—adventurers have risked life and limb to experience nature at its unspoiled best.  The appeal of wild rivers, unclaimed mountains and even the most remote rain forest are what drive these adventure seekers to explore without hesitation.

The current craze for camping and trekking can be traced, in part, to the 1960s crowd who travelled the world, curious about non-Western cultures and people.  Hiking is also becoming more popular.  Today, people hike for recreation.  Many Europeans spend their summer holidays in the mountains and quite an increasing number of Americans literally following in their footsteps.  The hikes chosen are moderate to slightly challenging and anyone in a reasonably good shape should be able to handle this comfortably.

The hikes chosen are moderate to slightly challenging and anyone in a reasonably good shape should be able to handle this comfortably

Now, with the advent of adventure tour operators as well as the inevitable roads and airstrips, you can now visit these remote areas with relative ease.  Incidentally, the immense popularity of trekking, hiking and camping has also brought about an array of gadgets and gizmos and improvements on the old ones.

Silva Compass

• Global Positioning System: It tells you where you are and it can calculate your estimated time of arrival.
• Night Vision Scopes: It helps guide you around in the dark.
• Cell phone Reception Amplifiers: This pocket-sized, wireless antenna picks up and amplifies phone signals.
• Compass: It generally tells directions.

• SILVA STORMPROOF HELIOS LIGHTER – can withstand winds of up to 25m/s and is good for 30,000 lights.
  

  Silva Helios

The gadgets are not infallible; of course, they can break and do not always work properly.  Think of them as accessories, not substitutes for real wilderness skills.  Besides what would you do if you were suddenly attacked by a brown bear or a rhino?  In cases like this, you only need your feet to run.  You won’t need any other gadget except for your body and presence of mind.   But the most important of all is a water purifier.  No one can survive the wilderness without drinking water. The waters in the outdoors are not safe for drinking.  Of course, you can always rely on boiling the water for a certain number of minutes but that is so inconvenient.  With water purifiers, it will make water in the wilderness potable.

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter

Katadyn has come out with a water filter series perfect for expeditions, camps and other professional use.  The Endurance series makes extremely turbid water potable.  The product line is heavy duty and filters more efficiently, even in extreme conditions.  The product line offers maximum water capacity and produces up to 100 times more water than standard water filters. It is perfect for one or a group of four.  You will also need these few basic items like the following:

Wind and sun protection like bandanas and scarves for the face.

• The best wind and wet clothing that you can afford
• Insect repellent and mosquito nets
• Tarpaulin, hammock or sleeping bag
• Swiss Army Knives
• Machete
• Sunglasses with UV protection

A backpacker’s gear should include food, shelter and clothes appropriate for the trip.  There are countless camping and hiking gear that are available in the market today that could make the life of a happy camper easy:  waterproof tent, clothes and shoes; every known insect repellant, solar charger, water sterilization kits and more.

Up in the mountains with your essentials

It is important to have clean and bacteria-free drinking water especially when trekking to unknown parts. The World Health Organization attributes 80% of all travel diseases to unclean and contaminated drinking water.

Fresh clear water found in the mountains and forest does not mean “clean” water. Times have changed. The environment has changed. What used to be clean is now quite dirty. You can never be too sure the water you scooped up from that seemingly clear brook is bacteria and disease free. It is best to play safe and filter water.

One of the best brands of portable water filters is Katadyn. The brand has the Backcountry series of water filters that is ideal for backpacking, trekking and camping.  There are models for this series: the Katadyn Hiker and the Katadyn Vario EU.

Katadyn Hiker

Katadyn Vario EU

Katadyn
Filters

The Hiker is the most popular  and best selling microfilter in the outdoor market category in the USA. The water filter is lightweight, easy to use and its compact design is best for all around user. What makes this unit popular is its pleated cartridge that makes pumping fast and easy. The Hiker has the capacity to pump and filter for  1 to 2 persons while on a backpack or trek tour.  The Hiker has an anti-clog technology that has a  0.3 micron glassfiber  activated carbon granulate that needs no cleaning.  The Hiker comes with a prefilter, a bottle adapter and a carry bag.

Katadyn Hiker is easy to use

Another Katadyn Backcountry series model is the Katadyn Vario EU. Highly efficient, the Vario is easy to handle and operate.  It has three filter levels to assure you of the cleanest and bacteria-free water possible in a short time.  The three levels of filters are: a glass fiber filter, a ceramic pre-filter adjustable to the water’s cloudiness, and an active charcoal for eliminating odors.

Katadyn Ceramic filters have silver impregnated micro porous structure that delays the growth of bacteria. The pore size of the ceramic filters is 0.0002 mm or 0.2 micron. Bacteria size range is from 0.2 to 5 micron while protozoa is from 1 -15 micron. Both are effectively filtered out by the Ketadyn ceramic filters.

This water filter can process two liters of drinking water per minute using just the glass fiber and the active charcoal filter. For cloudy water, the pre-filter can be fitted in. The Vario EU is compatible with most of the standard outdoor bottle and hydration bladders in the market.

The Katedyn range of water filters are manufactured with just this very objective and aim in mind. The Ultralight series of products are made with feather light materials. They weigh so little that they are compact and easy to carry around. They are just ideal for situations where in every ounce of extra luggage is going to be tedious such as international flights, business trips and sports.

katadyn's ultra light series is perfect for outdoor sports

These Ultra Light Series of water filters can be used for several reasons as they are so very versatile. Be it the weekend trip, or the excursion or family picnic. They do not need to be used along with anything else.

The water needs of one person can be easily met by this hence each one carries their own. The water that it dispenses is the purest and might look straight out of an underground spring. The filter is good to use anywhere.

Katadyn ultralight bottle is good to use anywhere

The Katadyn mini weighs just about 200 grams. It is compact and can be shoved into any back pack or baggage. It can be carried along wherever you go, be it the mall or a business meeting. It is good and trendy to look at in the bright blue and black combination. Do not get dissuaded by its size. It gets to work with the toughest of bacteria and protozoa and eliminates them. The embedded silver and ceramic filters remove the minutest of particle floating around. The Katadyn Mini comes along with a prefilter and a carry bag.

The Katadyn bottle which is available in measures of 1 liter and 0.75 liter. The bottle is easy to carry anywhere and use when required. At no point of time will there be the unavailability of clean pure water with the Katadyn Bottle around.

The Katadyn bottle takes water filtering very seriously. Its three level filtering procedures make certain that the water dispensed is the kind that the doctor would recommend. The water is certain to be free of bacteria, virus and protozoa of all kinds and intensity to make one fall sick. This purifier has been registered with the EPA based on the efficiency with which it functions. It weighs only 220 grams. The technology that is used is the Virustat cartridge with pentaoidide iodine and an activated carbon granule. This eliminates all the possible unpleasant odor or taste that might harbor within. The plastic membrane is just 1.0 micron and can get to work immediately. The Katadyn bottle is the most practical filtering and drinking bottle around.

There is also the Katadyn Exstream XR White Water Filter that uses Virustat technology to destroy waterborne bacteria and over 99.99% of waterborne viruses. Weighing only 900g, the Extreme XR bottle also elimates waterborne cysts and other protozoa and gets rid of bad odor and taste. Good for untreated fresh water sources, such as lakes, rivers and streams and tap water of many foreign countries.

Almost 80% of stomach ailments are related to contaminated water at some point of time. The ability to procure clean water especially on travels is extremely difficult. The water that is dished out in the form of ice cubes, beverages, drinks is in no way guaranteed to be pure.

Contaminated water causes ailments, sickness, even death

But, with the Katadyn range of products one knows that the water one is drinking is clear and pure. In the range of Water Filters one series of Products are the Backcountry Series. In this one can buy the Katadyn Vario EU or the Katadyn Hiker.

The Katadyn Vario EU is a water filter that is easy to use by all. This water filter uses a three pronged filtering facility to ensure that the water at the end is the purest. The first level of this technology is a glass fiber filter that removes the impurities; the next level is the ceramic pre-filter which removes the turbidity of water. The second phase can be customized according to the murkiness and particles of impurities of the water in the area. The third bit is the charcoal that has been activated. This works to eliminate the odor from the water.

Hence, once the water has passed these three levels it is just the way nature made it. Katadyn Vario EU can promise you up to two liters of water every minute. In case the area water is extremely murky then the ceramic glass can be easily attached to remove the insoluble particles. Katadyn Vario EU is just the kind to be taken on outdoors. It looks trendy and hip yet is extremely reliable in doling out clean, safe to drink water. It is easy to set up and works in tandem with almost all outdoor bottles and hydration systems. The technology that has been used is new age which works on anticlogging and ensures that no cleaning is required. It weighs just about 425 grams when compared to all the work that it does.

The Katadyn Hiker on the other hand has proved itself and its efficacy in the realm of purifying water. In the time that it has been around it has become the most sort after and coveted water filter amongst discerning consumers. The moment one thinks of a great water filter for the outdoors which is aesthetically designed, and light and compact, the first name that comes to mind is the Katadyn Hiker.

This product is made of an innovative new technology which has made the use of pleated cartridge to give accuracy and easy fluidity in the pumping of water. It is the perfect choice for one or two hikers to carry along with them to meet their water needs. The Katadyn Hiker is well-suited to be used with hydration bladders. It comes along with a prefilter bottle adapter and a carry bag to take it along. The Katadyn Hiker also has the anticlo technology and no cleaning required for the glass fiber along with the activated carbon granule.

With the Katedyn endurance series of water filters one need never worry about getting safe water whilst traveling.

The Water filters that come from the Katedyn products have been divided into three kinds. This is to enable the buying of the right product for the right person.

The Endurance Series is as its name suggests. The products in this category can withstand great amounts of pressure to guarantee water that is absolutely safe to drink and use.

Katadyn products have put together the Endurance Series based on the vision of providing reliable and durable water purification resources for their customers.

The Endurance series have a range of products. They are the Katadyn pocket, Katadyn combi, Katadyn combi Plus. There are special products for special sports endeavors such as Katadyn expedition and Katadyn camp.

The Endurance series products come with several benefits such as:

• They withstand long hours and years of being able to dish out pure water without any compromise on its efficacy.
• They have been made of the best possible materials so that there is no smell, leakages or tastes that get imbibed in the water.
• They can be used in the most extreme of circumstances and conditions such as on top of mountains.
• The customer can use them anywhere as they are light to carry around. They require no lugging around in the pursuit of pure water.
• The standard water filter is no way compared to the Edurance series. It is able to give much more water than the standard filter can ever do.
• It can give you water for up to 4 people at a time.
• The quality of water as the outcome is always crystal clear. The most murky and muddy of water can be cleansed by the Endurance water filters.
• The product is made to have a long life span hence it gives you optimum service
• The product pays for itself in the long run as it enables one to get pure clean water anywhere and everywhere.
• They are compact and come in wonderful bright colors to make anyone want to carry them along.

Each of the endurance range of products has been made with certain special and unique features to give you more robust water outcomes. The Katadyn Pocket is there for great usability and durability. This is the only water filter available with a warranty for as long as 20 years. It is effective on most vectors, be they bacteria or protozoa. It comes along with a handy carry bag and a pre-filter.

The Katadyn Combi can be used on boats, camps or cottages. It is easily connected to the main water connection to give water that is free of bacteria, protozoa plus any kind of smell or taste. The product is made of sturdy ceramic and silver and a carbon cartridge that can be activated for use. So, have a look at the Katadyn Endurance series to find a great water filter.

There is a growing danger of consuming water that is not potable and fit for consumption. This may result in untold misery, and loss of productive days. But, with Katadyn products there is no need to worry.

Katadyn products have been in the business of manufacturing water treatment products which can be utilized by all kinds of people such as travelers, back packers, sailing and fishing enthusiasts, and anyone who needs pure unadulterated water on the go.

Katadyn Products come in three variants which are:

• Water filters
• Micropurs
• Desalinators

The water filters that come from the house of Katadyn products are in different series based on your needs. They come backed with the Katadyn name to ensure that what you get is dependable and a long lasting product. They have been designed keeping the user in mind hence they can store up to 100 litres of water, they can be easily carried around, can be used for the most unsafe of waters even muddy.

Katadyn Mini Bottle is small, light and compact

They are easy to carry around, can be stored in any rucksack and come in attractive models and colors. Katadyn products also manufacture accessories and kits that you might need along with them.

Katadyn Hiker is the best selling microfilter in the US Outdoor Market

The next product from the Katadyn business house is micropurs. These come in three variants of tablets, powder form or drops.

Micropur Forte can be used to disinfect water instantaneously by adding them to drinking water. Hence, you will be certain that what you are consuming is water that has no traces of any kind of bacteria, virus or amoeba. Once the micropur has been added to water it will keep it pure for up to six months.

Micropur Forte disinfects water instantly

Micropur Classic is added to stored water in tanks and cisterns to ensure that the bacteria is eliminated and do not thrive. It helps in enhancing the taste of water.

Whereas, Micropur Antchlorine will help obtain water that has no smell or taste of chlorine in it. This then can be used for various purposes such as preparing drinks or beverages.

Micropur Tankline will enable the handling of all water cleaning in three stages. There are products to take care of the water tank, pumps and water pipes too.

The desalinators can help save lives. In case of places where there is no assured water supply then the desalinator will enable to make water clean. These desalinators are lightweight, work without electicity, and easy to use.

Katadyn desalinators are lightweight and can work without electricty

The PowerSurvivors Desalinators can obtain water even in the most rugged and difficult of situations. With the least amount of electricity consumption, the water that is acquired is abundant and free of harmful vectors and unpleasant smells or tastes.

All of these Katadyn products have undergone great amounts of research, testing and strict compliance measures to be able to meet the stringent safety measures and protocol set for them.

With a Katadyn product one knows of having chosen right in every sphere, be it the design, durability functionality, usability or the safety concerns. They certainly know the business of water.

These water filters have gone through an evolution, and it is due to this particular fact that you can find some of the most sophisticated filters. Where there were simple filters with limited strength, now there are Ultraviolet water filter systems with amazing powers. These filters can not only purify your water in a great way, but they also complete the task in a short time. Katadyn is one such water filter that has made living easy for people.

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There are many reasons why Katadyn water filters are fast becoming popular. One of the biggest reasons is their price. It is a fact that now you can get water filters and purifiers at a lower rate, which is due to the availability of several manufacturers, but the combination of quality and price is still hard to find. That’s where Katadyn water filters come into picture with a bang.

When you compare the price of a Katadyn filter with its features, it becomes obvious that it offers the best value for your money. Its ceramic design is quite attractive and the quality is simply superb. In terms of quality, you will be amazed to notice that not only the material is exceptional, but working is superb as well. It means it is a great combination of price, design and functionality. To provide you with the best quality water, it makes use of Reverse Osmosis (RO) process. It is due to this process that getting 100% pure water is no longer a dream.

All these qualities are enough to buy this particular water filter, but there is something that makes it even better. This quality is about its easy maintenance. You don’t have to go through a lot of hassle to clean it. And, this is one big reason why people are interested in Katadyn water filter.

The fact of the matter is that there are many other types of water filters but there is nothing like UV systems. And, when you talk about UV water filters, Katadyn is the one you can bank on. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that filters like SteriPen are also popular and useful as well, but there are features that set Katadyn apart from Steripen and all other filters. For instance, the availability of chemical reduction feature in many of these Katadyn filters makes them stand head and shoulders above the competition. So, if you are interested in getting a high quality filter with a plethora of features, you should be going for Katadyn filter. It’s the best!

Hand operated water filters requires no electricity

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