From the Guidelines
Water contaminants can cause severe health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, cancer, and even death, depending on the specific contaminant and exposure level, and certain populations such as infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to these effects. The health effects of water contaminants also depend on the type of contaminant (chemical, biological, or physical), concentration levels, and duration of exposure 1. For example, lead in drinking water can cause developmental delays in children, while nitrates can cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants 1. Immunocompromised individuals may be more susceptible to waterborne pathogens like Cryptosporidium that healthy people might fight off 1.
Some of the key contaminants of concern include:
- Emerging contaminants (ECs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial chemicals, which can enter the water matrices through various natural or anthropogenic sources 1
- Chemical contaminants like arsenic and industrial pollutants, which can lead to chronic conditions including cancer, liver or kidney damage 1
- Biological contaminants like Cryptosporidium, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in immunocompromised individuals 1
To protect yourself, use appropriate water filtration systems based on your local water quality reports, and those in high-risk groups should take extra precautions such as using bottled water when advisories are issued 1. It is also important to note that the efficiency of treatment varies with the considered contaminants, and some treatment technologies like biological activated carbon and ozonation-based hybrid systems have shown good removal for most of the emerging contaminants 1. However, the lack of proper regulatory structure has contributed to the high persistence of emerging contaminants in global water matrices, and a proper general or local regulatory framework is needed to be developed 1.
In terms of specific recommendations, immunocompromised individuals should avoid drinking water directly from lakes or rivers, and should take precautions to avoid swallowing water during recreational activities 1. Additionally, high-risk groups should use bottled water or water filtration systems that can remove contaminants like Cryptosporidium and other ECs 1. Overall, it is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of vulnerable populations and take proactive steps to protect against the risks associated with water contaminants.
From the Research
Health Effects of Contaminants in Water
The presence of contaminants in water can have serious health consequences, particularly for sensitive and immunocompromised populations 2. Some of the health effects associated with waterborne contaminants include:
- Acute, chronic, or sometimes fatal health consequences
- Gastrointestinal illnesses
- Increased risk of disease outbreaks
- Exposure to inorganic and organic contaminants, such as arsenic, lead, and uranium, which can have harmful effects on human health 3
Populations at Risk
Certain populations are more vulnerable to the health effects of waterborne contaminants, including:
- Immunocompromised populations, such as those with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
- Children and the elderly
- People with pre-existing medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease 2, 4, 5
Exposure to Contaminants
Exposure to contaminants in water can occur through various routes, including:
- Ingestion of contaminated water
- Skin contact with contaminated water
- Inhalation of contaminated water vapor
- Exposure to contaminated water through food and other environmental sources 6
Reducing Exposure to Contaminants
To reduce exposure to contaminants in water, the following measures can be taken: