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COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSOCIATED WITH ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER IN MILLARD COUNTY, UTAH
Citation:
Southwick, J., A. Western, M. Beck, T. Whitley, AND R. Isaacs. COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSOCIATED WITH ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER IN MILLARD COUNTY, UTAH. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/1-81/064.
Description:
This study evaluates the health effects of arsenic in drinking water at levels approximately four times the maximum allowed by the National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Physical examinations of 250 people included evaluating dermatological and neurological health, sampling hair and urine for arsenic content and testing for anemia. Water consumption estimates were used to estimate arsenic ingestion. A clear relationship was shown between the amount of arsenic consumed and the amount of arsenic present in hair and urine samples. Dermatological signs compatible with arsenic exposure were rare and, when found, were scattered singly among both exposed and control participants rather than being clustered as multiple signs on individuals with higher arsenic exposure. Anemia was not found significantly more often among exposed participants. Nerve conduction slowing did not correlate significantly with arsenic exposure levels. Typical signs and symptoms of arsenic intoxication were not found in any of the study participants.