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Bottled water contaminant exposures and potential human effects
Paul M Bradley1, Kristin M Romanok2, Kelly L Smalling2
1U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, SC, USA.
Bottled water often contains multiple inorganic and organic contaminants, with some exceeding health goals. This study highlights the need for better exposure data to protect public health from drinking water contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Increased bottled water consumption due to concerns over tap water quality.
- Limited data on contaminant exposures and health risks in bottled water.
- This study addresses contaminant exposures and cumulative health risks in bottled water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze inorganic, organic, and microbial contaminants in bottled water.
- To assess in vitro estrogen receptor bioactivity in bottled water.
- To evaluate cumulative health risks from detected contaminants in bottled water.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 30 domestic and imported bottled water samples.
- Tested for 53 inorganics, 465 organics, and 14 microbial metrics.
- Assessed health-benchmark-weighted hazard indices and exposure-activity cutoffs.
Main Results:
- Detected 48 inorganics and 45 organics; no enforceable standards were exceeded.
- Found contaminants with zero Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs), including arsenic, lead, and uranium.
- Exceeded precautionary health-based screening levels, primarily due to disinfection byproducts and co-occurring contaminants.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous exposure to multiple bottled water contaminants is common.
- Improved exposure characterizations are crucial for public health protection.
- Bottled water can be a significant vector for human contaminant exposure.
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