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Health risks from contaminated water: do class and race matter?
R L Calderon1, C C Johnson, G F Craun
1Health Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Minority and economically disadvantaged populations may face unequal exposure to water contaminants. Further research and infrastructure analysis are recommended to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water for all communities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Environmental Justice
Background:
- Review of environmental legislation governing water quality.
- Evaluation of existing studies on water contaminant exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of water contaminants on minority and economically disadvantaged populations.
- To identify potential inequities in exposure to waterborne contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing data.
- Evaluation of anecdotal and case study information.
- Identification of trends in contaminant exposure.
Main Results:
- The majority of data was anecdotal, limiting quantitative analysis.
- Trends suggest potential inequities in exposure to water contaminants.
- Vulnerable populations may be disproportionately affected.
Conclusions:
- Inequities in water contaminant exposure may exist for certain populations.
- Recommendations for improved data collection and infrastructure assessment were made.
- Further research is needed to identify influencing factors and develop targeted interventions.