Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: Sarah Toogood on 12/06/2009 20:30:05

Title: Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?
Post by: Sarah Toogood on 12/06/2009 20:30:05

Sarah Toogood  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi there,

Just got this through - not sure if it's rubbish or if there's something in it.... Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?

>>>>>
THIS IS NOT A NEW DISCOVERY BUT MANY OF US JUST IGNORE IT!
 
A pharmacist report from Singapore warning people NEVER to keep boiling drinking water!!
 
Report Summary: TOP harmful chemical named Toxic Nitrate is produced in water when keep boiling it!! This harmful substance has been proved to increase chances of intestinal and stomach cancers.
 
IF you currently use 'WATER DISPENSER with WARM / HOT WATER functions' or 'Electric AUTO keep warm Thermos' for convenience, STOP IT NOW or you will suicide yourself as well as your loved ones slowly!
 
NOWADAYS many drinking water companies offer FREE WATER DISPENSER when you order drinking water from them! THINK WISELY before you order! YOU may get FREE water dispenser but in fact it would be paid out in your OWN HEALTH!

>>>>

What do you think?

Title: Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 13/06/2009 03:28:50

Dunno. I have heard that blue baby syndrome is very rare in the UK where I live, and there hasn't been one in several decades. I also have heard the information in this webpage:

http://altmedangel.com/nitrates.htm

The critical bit for me is the claim that our bodies secrete extra nitrates if we don't get enough in our diet ;-) It might be interesting to know what level the body tries to maintain is.

Title: Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 13/06/2009 07:41:40

Water is H20. Hot water is still H20. There's no way to get a nitrate out of it.

Title: Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 13/06/2009 15:42:46

I think the point is more that if there's nitrate in it, when you boil it, it gets more concentrated.

Title: Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?
Post by: LeeE on 13/06/2009 16:31:15

Sarah:  never trust anyone who believes they need to capitalise words at random.  If they don't even know how to write properly it's unlikely that they know what they're talking about.

Title: Is it really wrong to keep water boiling?
Post by: Shadec on 19/06/2009 08:44:47

Quote from: Madidus_Scientia on 13/06/2009 07:41:40

Water is H20. Hot water is still H20. There's no way to get a nitrate out of it.

thats what i was thinking, its ridiculous. and if it were a real chemical, then it would say "Silver nitrate" or "KNO3" or something, not just "Toxic nitrate"!

Quote from: LeeE on 13/06/2009 16:31:15

Sarah:  never trust anyone who believes they need to capitalise words at random.  If they don't even know how to write properly it's unlikely that they know what they're talking about.

thats my rule too!