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Water is our most important resource - it needs to be cared for and managed in a responsible and intelligent manner. the issues of safety and health, environmental impact, and water conservation have been critically important. Electrolytically generated, copper and silver ions are proving to be the most viable, effective, economical, safe and healthy mode of water disinfection today. Copper / silver ionization systems, spawned by NASA space age technology, represent an important breakthrough in water purification. Today, pure, clear water can be enjoyed and maintained in swimming pools, spas, potable water facilities, aquariums, ponds, cooling towers and fountains, without massive doses of harsh chemicals and the related negative side effects. HISTORY OF IONIZATION: The use of silver and copper to keep water pure has been known throughout recorded history. The ancient Greeks and Romans stored their water in silver vessels in order to insure water purity. As the American pioneers moved west across the continent, they maintained purity in their drinking water and milk by keeping silver and copper coins in their storage containers and casks. Today, silver is used in leading products: for treatment of burn patients to prevent infection, for newborns to prevent blindness, and to make bacteria free cosmetics. Silver is also used in devices that filter drinking water; this fills an important need in remote locations, such as military bases, air terminals and in diplomatic missions overseas. Copper based algaecides have long been used by water treatment biologists to safely control algae problems. Copper / silver ionization was perfected in the 1960’s by NASA as a method of purifying recycled water supplies aboard space craft. This method of water purification without the use of chlorine, has been used by other space programs as well as major airlines Ionization is now being by ocean going vessels, off-shore drilling rigs, breweries, bottlers, etc. Other commercial, industrial and medical applications are rapidly expanding. RESEARCH STUDIES: Extensive bacteriological research conducted in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the University of Arizona, have shown that silver ions are effective against most bacteria and many viruses . Studies conducted at the British Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Salisbury, England, confirm that copper / silver ion systems will inactivate the virus that is responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease (Legionella Pneumophila). Legionnaire’s Disease causes a severe, often deadly form of pneumonia. This particular virus is of special interest not only because it inhabits a wide variety of natural waters, but also because it contaminated water re-use systems in air conditioning, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot water tanks and evaporative condensers. PREFERRED WATER TREATMENT: Copper / silver ionization systems are the preferred water treatment. Neither silver nor copper evaporated and will provide continuous bactericidal action. Both copper and silver ions are bactericidal and virucidal and copper ions have been shown to be algaecidal and possess fungicidal properties. Chemicals are absorbed through the skin. Skin absorption of contaminants in drinking water has been underestimated. Ingestion may not constitute the sole or even the primary route of exposure. Skin absorption of chemical contaminants and the inhalation of vapors while exposed can contribute from 29 to 91% of the total exposure dose, averaging 64%. In addition to various compounds found in many drinking water supplies, chlorine and the by-products of chlorination raise questions concerning toxicity and health effects. Dr. Joseph M. Price, M. D. , states in his book Coronaries / Cholesterol / Chlorine (published in 1969) that chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times. In his startling book, Dr. Price presents his controversial theory of chlorine in our drinking water as the major cause of atheroschlerosis and that atheroschlerosis is the underlying cause of the majority of chronic diseases of modern civilization. These include: heart attacks, strokes, arterial disease, aneurysms, senility and impotence due to vascular insufficiency . . . and more. In the last few years, research studies have come to light, which associate the exposure to the by-products of chlorination with serious health risks. Trihalomethanes (THM), which include chloroform, might pose a human health hazard. The Systems Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both classify chloroform as a possible human carcinogen based on adequate evidence for carcinogenicity in animals. Recently, a second group of these chlorinated organic compounds, haloacetonitriles (HAN) has been found to be genotoxic and can have effects on human cells. Thus, the exposure of humans via drinking water to HAN may pose a carcinogenic hazard. Nowadays, most people avoid drinking chlorinated tap water, and the use of shower filters is increasing. THE CHOICE IS OURS: Many large chemical companies and water treatment facilities are researching alternatives to the present methods of water treatment, due to a growing understanding of the environ- mental and health issues, as well as pressure from an increasing population of concerned groups and individuals. INTRODUCTION TO IONIZATION: The process of ionization offers a modern approach to water disinfection without the use of hazardous chemicals. Non-chemical water purification is widely accepted and has been the standard practice in Europe for many years. The synergy of copper in conjunction with silver in specially engineered systems is a time proven method of water purification and maintenance. The technology to produce a cost efficient and maintenance free water purification system has only been available for a short time. Thousands of ionization systems are now being used successfully in the United States. REFERENCES Etris, Samuel, “Silver’s Good as Gold”, Water Technology, 21-26, August 1991. Thurman, R. B. and Gerba , C. P., “The Molecular Mechanisms of Copper and Silver Ion