In search of an arsenic MCL
Questions about arsenic continue to fan the flames of debate that surround the US Environmental Protection Agency's quest for a new, more appropriate maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic. In making its decision, the USEPA is taking into account many factors, including occurrence, exposure and health effects, and treatment technologies. Recent studies in Taiwan on long-term human exposure show that arsenic in drinking water is associated with liver, lung, kidney, and bladder cancers as well as previously documented skin cancer. However, studies of several US communities served by water supplies containing high concentrations of arsenic failed to show excessive skin disorders, and the arsenic-induced risk of internal cancer in the US is uncertain. In response to the question of whether the current arsenic MCL (0.05 mg/L) protects health, these authors conclude that existing epidemiologic data are too limited to provide a definitive answer. Once USEPA has selected MCL options for arsenic, it will use occurrence data to develop a regulatory impact analysis; from this analysis the costs and benefits of compliance with the various MCLs can be estimated. In reviewing past surveys of arsenic occurrence and ongoing investigations of low-level occurrence, the latter are particularly important because USEPA is considering an MCL below 5 [mu]g/L.
- OSTI ID:
- 7011519
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States) Vol. 86:9; ISSN 0003-150X; ISSN JAWWA5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ARSENIC
CONTAMINATION
DRINKING WATER
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LEGAL ASPECTS
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE CONCENTRATION
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
SAFETY STANDARDS
SEMIMETALS
STANDARDS
WATER
WATER POLLUTION