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Environmental Health Criteria 214

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HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT<br />

or increase the contaminant concentrations in drinking-water.<br />

Samples collected at the end of the distribution system provide a<br />

better measure of potential exposure to individuals than samples<br />

collected at the source prior to any removal or treatment that might<br />

take place. Numerous texts detail sampling and analytical techniques<br />

specific to drinking-water, and these methods can be used to develop<br />

comprehensive exposure assessment protocols (UNEP/WHO, 1986; WHO,<br />

1992,1993).<br />

Table 25. Origins of chemicals commonly occurring in drinking-water (Hickman<br />

Substances affecting the source (raw water)<br />

"Naturally occurring" Leached from geological formati<br />

Derived from soil and sediments<br />

Pollutants derived from point sources Domestic sewage treatment (e.g.<br />

Industrial effluents (e.g., syn<br />

Landfill waste disposal (e.g.,<br />

Pollutants derived from non-point sources Agricultural run-off (e.g., fer<br />

Urban run-off (e.g., salt, PAHs<br />

Atmospheric fall-out (e.g., PAH<br />

Substances resulting from treatment<br />

Substances formed during disinfection Trihalomethanes, chlorophenols<br />

Treatment chemicals Chloramines, fluorides<br />

Treatment chemical impurities Acrylamide monomer, carbon tetr<br />

Substances arising from the distribution<br />

and service systems<br />

Contaminants arising from contact with Lead, vinyl chloride monomer an<br />

construction material and protective coatings cadmium from fittings, PAHs fro<br />

Substances arising from point-of-use devices Sodium, silver<br />

In developing countries it is quite common for individuals not to<br />

have access to treated water from distribution systems, so analysing<br />

water quality solely from distribution systems may not provide a true<br />

reflection of exposure. Even if drinking-water is obtained from piped<br />

supplies, it may not provide an adequate indication of exposure as<br />

many individuals are forced to store water after collection, when<br />

gross contamination may occur. In some areas of the world, run-off<br />

water is routinely collected from roofs for drinking and cooking<br />

needs. Dustfall attributable to traffic, industry, or construction may<br />

contribute to variable (potentially high) pollutant concentrations in<br />

this source.<br />

Exposure to contaminants in water is not limited to oral routes.<br />

For instance, disinfection by-products and radon gas dissolved in<br />

groundwater may be released into an indoor atmosphere providing an<br />

inhalation route. Heating water also releases dissolved VOCs. Exposure<br />

to contaminants may also occur through inhalation of aerosols from<br />

http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc<strong>214</strong>.htm<br />

Page 127 of 284<br />

6/1/2007

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