Chemicals in the water environment. Where do the real and future threats lie?

Abstract

Abstract. There are many potential sources of chemical constituents and contaminants in water that can reach drinking water. Not all substances will be present in any particular water. Some substances may be of benefit to health but others can be a threat. However, very few have been clearly shown to cause adverse health effects in humans through drinking water and evidence may be complicated by simultaneous exposure through food. Our knowledge of contaminants in water is, however, incomplete as additional contaminants emerge with advancing analytical methods. Most of these emerging contaminants are present as a consequence of day to day use by the wider human population and control requires a different approach to the substance by substance regulation prevalent at present.Key words: drinking water, chemicals, pollution, health.Riassunto (Sostanze chimiche nell'ambiente acquatico. Quali sono le minacce attuali e future?). Sono molte le fonti potenziali di costituenti e contaminanti chimici nell'acqua che possono raggiungere le acque potabili. Non tutte le sostanze sono presenti in ogni acqua, alcune possono giovare alla salute ma altre possono rappresentare una minaccia. Tuttavia, solo per un numero limitato di sostanze è stata chiaramente dimostrata una relazione causale per effetti avversi sulla salute associata al consumo di acqua potabile e le evidenze sono rese complicate dalla simultanea esposizione attraverso gli alimenti. La conoscenza dei contaminanti nelle acque è comunque incompleta poiché nuovi contaminanti emergono con lo sviluppo di metodi analitici avanzati. Gran parte di questi contaminanti è presente come conseguenza dell'uso quotidiano da parte di una popolazione crescente e i controlli richiedono un approccio regolatorio diverso da quello attuale basato sulle singole sostanze.Parole chiave: acque potabili, sostanze chimiche, contaminazione, salute.

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