KUN0069 4 GEN 0299 KUWAIT /KUNA-CMR5 HLT-KUWAIT-FILTERS-OSMOSIS Needless reverse osmosis filters a health risk - Al-Awadhi KUWAIT, Jan 10 (KUNA) -- Needless water purification systems and reverse osmosis filters and coolers at home can constitute a major health risk on the long run, cautioned Director of the Water Program at Kuwait Institution for Advancement of Sciences Dr. Fatma Al-Awadhi Monday. Al-Awadhi told a seminar organized by the institution such systems deprive consumers of the necessary mineral content of drinking water and the liquid produced falls short of international standards for potable water set by the World Health Organization. In addition, Al-Awadhi pointed out Ionic filtration and treatment and the reverse osmosis systems rob water of Calcium, Potassium, Nitrogen and Magnesium and substitutes Sodium. Such water is incapable of adequately removing soap off the skin and leads to irritation and serious skin problems, she remarked. Institution Water Resources Director Dr. Mohammad Al-Rashid addressed the same seminar noting the reverse osmosis is a process that leaves the water without the necessary mineral content, if used to treat already fresh water. That, he stressed, can lead to mineral depletion and serious health issues like irregular heart beat and hypertension. Energy Ministry Water Resources Development Center Director Khalifa Al-Freih for his part re-assured consumers that they need not use such systems and filters in the first place. The engineer stressed the water that reaches the consumer is already potable and meets all world and GCC health requirements. This is guaranteed, he said, by thorough monitoring of the water's physical, chemical and bio-bacterial qualities. The water that reaches consumers is "just right," he concluded. (end) kd.wsa KUNA 101753 Jan 05NNNN