Lifestraw
LIFESTRAW
The LifeStraw gives children the basic right to clean drinking water.
It is estimated that 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and that 1.8 million die annually from preventable water-borne diseases such as Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and E-coli.
There are many areas of South Africa where water pollution resulting in unsafe drinking water, is causing illness amongst communities. During the latter half of 2007 it was widely reported that at least 80 children had died as a result of drinking contaminated water in the Sterkspruit area. Touch Africa together with many donors, are distributing the LifeStraw into “hot spot” areas of the country.
A LifeStraw is a portable water purification tool that cleanses surface water and makes it safe for human consumption. It is just 25cm long and 29mm in diameter and can be hung around the neck. It requires no electrical power or spare parts and can filter up to 700 litres of water and effectively remove 99.9% of all the micro organisms responsible for causing waterborne diseases. The LifeStraw kills disease causing micro organisms which spread Diarrhea, Dysentery, Typhoid, and Cholera. It filters bacteria such as Shigella, Salmonella, Enterrococus, Staphylococcus Aures and E.Coli.
The device has been tested by independent and qualified research laboratories and is being distributed in other parts of the world. .
The device contains PuroTech Disinfecting Resin (PDR) – a patented, extraordinarily effective material that kills bacteria on contact. Textile pre-filters are used in the LifeStraw to remove particles up to 15 microns. Active carbon withholds particles such as parasites. The level of bacteria in the water will be reduced to levels that will provide water safe for human consumption.
‘Safe’ implies water from which any health risk is minimal. The particulate removal suggests that the number of parasitic ova in raw water will also be reduced significantly. The released amount of iodine in water treated from LifeStraw is not normally damaging to human health. However, people having thyroid problems and allergic reaction to iodine must seek medical advice before using this tool.
The life expectancy of the device is one year from the start of usage (calculation based on consumption of 2 liters water per day) or 700 liters. Use beyond expiry will not deteriorate existing water quality.
The WHO default levels for the quantities of drinking water (reference to WHO drinking water quality guidelines THIRD edition 2004, Annex III), are: For a 10kg child, 1 litre water per day – thus 700 day tool. For a 60kg adult, 2 litres water per day – thus a 350 day tool.
Adults and children of any age can use the LifeStraw, provided they have capacity to suck water and are not allergic to iodine or have thyroid problems.
To find out more about how you can provide a LifeStraw to a child, contact elise@touchafrica.info
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