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Related Experiment Videos

Is the selenium drinking water standard justified?

M G Lafond, E J Calabrese

    Medical Hypotheses
    |August 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    The current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standard for selenium is inappropriate. New evidence suggests selenium is essential and not carcinogenic or cariogenic, supporting a revised standard of 50 micrograms/L.

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    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Science
    • Toxicology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • The current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standard for selenium is 10 micrograms/L.
    • This standard is based on claims that selenium is carcinogenic, induces dental caries, and is highly toxic to animals.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To critically assess the scientific literature supporting the current selenium drinking water standard.
    • To evaluate the evidence regarding selenium's carcinogenicity, cariogenicity, and toxicity.
    • To propose a revised drinking water standard for selenium.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing scientific literature on selenium's health effects.
    • Analysis of four case studies examining selenium's role in cancer, dental health, and essentiality.

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  • Assessment of selenium toxicity data in humans and animals.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence does not support classifying selenium as a carcinogen; some studies suggest it may reduce cancer incidence due to antioxidant properties.
    • Current data does not support selenium's classification as a cariogenic element.
    • Selenium is an essential element, a factor not considered in the current standard.
    • The 10 micrograms/L standard is not justified based on available evidence.

    Conclusions:

    • The existing drinking water standard for selenium (10 micrograms/L) is not scientifically supported.
    • A revised standard of 50 micrograms/L is suggested to adequately protect against potential adverse health effects.
    • Selenium's essentiality and potential health benefits warrant a re-evaluation of water quality standards.