A new report in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology found that U.S. public-supply tap water generally meets all enforceable standards.
Samples from private wells, public water supplies and a water cooler were checked for 482 organic and 19 inorganic compounds.
However, lead was detected in 23 samples.
Although none of these samples exceeded current lead regulations, the EPA drinking water goal of zero indicates that no lead exposure is considered safe.
The researchers note that little is known about the cumulative health effects of exposure to these mixtures of low-level contaminants among vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Tap water monitoring will provide the exposure data needed for public health researchers to address this gap.
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