No, a pH of 7 is not harmful, especially in drinking water.
According to available research, drinking water with a pH between 7 and 8.5 has shown no evidence of harm. This means a pH of 7 is considered neutral and safe for consumption. To provide a clearer picture, let's look at what pH is and how it relates to our health:
Understanding pH
- pH is a scale used to measure how acidic or basic (alkaline) a substance is.
- The scale ranges from 0 to 14:
- 7 is neutral.
- Below 7 is acidic.
- Above 7 is basic or alkaline.
pH and Drinking Water
| pH Level | Description |
|---|---|
| < 7 | Acidic |
| 7 | Neutral |
| > 7 | Basic |
- Neutral pH of 7: A pH of 7 in drinking water is considered neutral and is generally safe.
- Acceptable Range: The range between 7 and 8.5 is also considered safe for drinking water, as there has been no evidence of harm found in drinking water with a pH of between 7 and 8.5.
pH and Blood
Interestingly, human blood has a slightly basic pH of around 7.365. This shows that our bodies work best within a narrow range that’s not strictly neutral but slightly alkaline.
Practical Implications
- Water Testing: It's a good idea to test your drinking water for pH and other contaminants to ensure its safety.
- Maintaining Health: While pH is important, maintaining overall health requires a balanced approach involving diet, exercise, and regular check-ups.
- No Need to Worry: If your water has a pH of 7, it should not be harmful.
