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Epidemiologic Studies of Organic Micropollutants in Drinking Water

  • Chapter
Water Pollution

Part of the book series: Water Pollution ((HEC5,volume 5 / 5A))

Abstract

A large number of organic micropollutants have been identified in surface and groundwaters. These contaminants reach drinking water supplies from various sources, including municipal and industrial discharges and urban and rural runoff; however, the treatment of drinking water can contribute contaminants as well. Since its introduction in 1908, the chlorination of drinking water has been successful in preventing the transmission of infectious waterborne diseases, but the reaction of free chlorine with selected precursors in water has recently been found to produce organic micropollutants. These organic byproducts have likely been present in water supplies as long as chlorine has been used as a disinfectant because the important precursors are naturally occurring aquatic humic substances such as humic and fulvic acids. The widespread use of chlorine as a disinfectant and concerns about the public health problems of chlorine and its by-products have led to a number of epidemiologic studies in populations using chlorinated drinking water. Descriptive epidemiologic studies have consistently suggested increased risks of cancer of the bladder, stomach, large intestine, and rectum in areas where chlorinated surface waters have been used. Analytical epidemiologic studies, which consider potential confounding and modifying factors, have shown a moderate increase in risk of bladder and colon cancer in populations with a long duration of exposure to chlorinated drinking water. Although much research has been conducted, it is not yet possible to determine whether there is a causal association between exposure to chlorinated drinking water and these cancers. This determination must await the results of several ongoing studies in this area. Results of an epidemiology study suggests an association between serum cholesterol and chlorinated drinking water, but this must be confirmed by additional research.

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  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West M. L. King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, USA

    G. F. Craun

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Craun, G.F. (1991). Epidemiologic Studies of Organic Micropollutants in Drinking Water. In: Water Pollution. Water Pollution, vol 5 / 5A. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-46685-7_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-46685-7_1

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