Researchers emphasize the needs for research on the health effects of chemicals in water

Safe drinking water is essential to human beings. Although microbiological contamination is the major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with water globally, chemicals in the water can also cause diseases. As the scientific evidence of the impact on human health is still limited or lacking, CREAL has published a report on the current status and research needs about the health effects of chemicals in water.

The report, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, concluded that more research is needed and proposes recommendations for future studies. This includes studies in areas with variability in levels of occurrence, include biological assays that integrate the effects of complex mixtures, obtain detailed information about personal habits that determine exposure (e.g. ingestion, showering, swimming, diet), collection of biological samples to measure relevant biomarkers and advanced statistical models to estimate relative risks and exposures, among others.

For this reasons, Dr. Cristina Villanueva, head of research of the program ‘Water Pollution’ in CREAL, an ISGlobal research centre, summarized, with the help of other co- authors, the state of knowledge, identifying gaps in understanding and offering recommendations for epidemiological research on chemicals in drinking water.

Reference: Assessing Exposure and Health Consequences of Chemicals in Drinking Water: Current State of Knowledge and Research Needs. Villanueva CM, Kogevinas M, Cordier S, Templeton MR, Vermeulen R, Nuckols JR, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Levallois P. Environ Health Perspect.