Exposure to high levels of antimony damages the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver and blood of humans and laboratory animals. Studies in industrial workers who were exposed to high air levels of antimony compounds over long periods of time reported gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, ulcers, altered electrocardiogram (heart) readings and increased blood pressure. Breathing antimony causes lung cancer in laboratory animals. Whether eating antimony causes cancer in humans or laboratory animals is unknown. Chemicals that cause adverse health effects in human and laboratory animals after high levels of exposure may pose a risk of adverse health effects in humans exposed to lower levels over long periods of time.    Last Revised: NYSDOH Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment (BTSA) 12/98

Asbestos

MHEL

Asbestos is a common name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that separate into fibers. Six fibrous minerals are generally recognized as asbestos, including the most common forms - chrysotile and crocidolite. Asbestos has been used as insulating and fire retarding materials and in the production of cement, floor tiles, paint and brake linings. Asbestos fibers generally get into drinking water from naturally contaminated surface water or from the corrosion of asbestos-cement pipes.

Inhaled asbestos fibers cause lung cancer in humans and in laboratory animals exposed to high levels in air over their lifetimes. The evidence that ingested asbestos causes cancer in animals is weak and comes from one study where chrysotile fibers caused benign (non-cancerous) tumors in male laboratory rats exposed to high levels in their food during their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in humans and laboratory animals may increase the risk of cancer in humans exposed to lower levels over long periods of time. Whether ingested asbestos causes cancer in humans is unknown.    12/93

Barium

MHEL

Barium is a silvery-white metal that occurs in nature in many different compounds. It is also found naturally in drinking water and food. It is used in oil and gas drilling muds and in the production of paints, bricks, tiles, ceramics and as an additive for jet fuels. Barium generally gets into drinking water after dissolving from naturally occurring minerals in the ground or after improper waste disposal. There is some evidence that exposure to high levels of barium damages the heart and causes high-blood pressure in humans and laboratory animals.    12/93

Cadmium

MHEL

Cadmium is a silvery-white metal that occurs in nature in many different compounds. It is also found naturally in food and in tobacco smoke. It has many uses in industry and consumer products, mainly in the production of batteries, pigments, plastics and metal coatings (galvanized pipes, for example). Cadmium generally gets into drinking water after improper waste disposal.

Some people exposed to large amounts of cadmium suffered kidney, bone and blood damage. Exposure to high levels of cadmium damages the kidneys, blood, liver, heart and the immune and nervous systems of laboratory animals. High exposure also damages the unborn offspring of laboratory animals exposed during pregnancy. Chemicals that cause adverse health effects in humans and laboratory animals after high levels of exposure pose a risk of adverse health effects in humans exposed to lower levels over long periods of time.    12/93

Chloride

MHEL

The presence of chloride ions in drinking water above the maximum contaminant level of 250 mg/l can result in two undesirable aesthetic effects. First, the water consumer may detect an objectionable taste to the water. Second, corrosion of the pipes in hot water systems may occur. Consumers may become accustomed to the taste of somewhat higher chloride levels, but the economic effects of these higher levels ought to be avoided. High levels of sodium are associated with chloride contamination. Persons on restricted sodium diets should consult their physician.

Preventative Measures: Chloride cannot be readily removed from drinking water without the use of distillation, reverse osmosis or electrodialysis which are effective but relatively expensive; thus, the use of an alternative source, such as bottled water or blending, is the most desirable approach.    Last Revised: DCDOH 3/97

Chromium

MHEL

Chromium is a steel-gray metal that occurs in nature in many different compounds. It is used for electroplating, in the manufacture of steel and in the textile, tanning and leather industries. Chromium generally gets into drinking water in runoff from old mining operations and after improper waste disposal from plating operations.

Some industrial workers exposed to large amounts of chromium suffered liver, kidney, and skin damage. Exposure to high levels of chromium damages the kidneys, liver, nervous and reproductive systems of laboratory animals and the unborn offspring of laboratory animals exposed during pregnancy.    12/93

Fluoride

MHEL

Fluorides are naturally occurring or man-made chemicals which are found in food, water, soil and air. Fluorides are used in a variety of dental products such as toothpastes, mouth rinses and fluoride supplements. In some municipalities, fluoride is added to drinking water to protect against tooth decay. Other fluoride compounds are used in numerous commercial products (e.g., cements, pesticides, ceramics) and industrial processes.

Ingestion of moderate amounts of fluoride typically found in foods and fluoridated water has been shown to protect against tooth decay without causing adverse health effects. However, some children who drink water with fluoride levels greater than about 2.0 mg/l may develop dental fluorosis, which, in its moderate and severe forms, is a brown staining and/or pitting of permanent teeth. Drinking water that contains levels above 4.0 mg/l for many years may result in some cases of crippling skeletal fluorosis, which is a serious bone disorder. Symptoms of fluoride poisoning from short-term exposure to high concentrations of fluoride include gastrointestinal effects, kidney and liver damage, convulsions, respiratory arrest, coma and death.    Rev. 3/91

Manganese

MHEL

Manganese is a natural component of the environment and we are exposed to low levels in water, soil and food. Too much manganese, however, can cause adverse health effects. Manganese miners or steel workers exposed to high levels of manganese dust may have mental and emotional disturbances, and their body movements may become slow and clumsy. Whether eating or drinking too much manganese can cause these problems is unknown. In one report¹, humans who drank water containing very high levels of manganese (20 mg/l) developed symptoms similar to these seen in manganese miners, but it is not certain whether the effects were caused by manganese alone or other contaminants. In another report², people who drank water with above average levels of manganese (about 2 mg/l) were reported to have a slightly higher frequency of symptoms such as weakness, stiff muscles and trembling of the hands. However, these symptoms are not specific for manganese and might have been caused by other factors. Although these studies are limited, they suggest that high levels of manganese in drinking water may increase the risk of adverse health effects, particularly after many years of exposure.

Because of the potential for increased health risks from drinking water with high levels of manganese, we recommend that steps be taken to reduce manganese levels in your drinking water. Possible solutions would be to install a water treatment system to remove manganese from the water supply or to use an alternate supply of water for drinking and cooking purposes.

¹ Kawamura R, Ikuta H, Fukuzumi S, et al. 1941. Intoxication by manganese in well water. Kisato Arch Exp Med 18:145-171

² Kondakis XG, Makris N, Leotsinidis M, et al. 1989. Possible health effects of high manganese concentration in drinking water. Arch Environ Health 44:175-178

NYSDOH BTSA

Preventative Measures

>300 mcg/L to 500 mcg/L

The level of exposure to manganese in your drinking water is relatively low and does not constitute an immediate health hazard. However, some people may wish to take practical measures which reduce their exposure. Individuals could use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Installation of a water treatment system to remove manganese would also eliminate staining of plumbing fixtures and laundry.

>500 mcg/L to 1,000 mcg/L

The level of exposure to manganese in your drinking water is relatively low and does not constitute an immediate health hazard. However, because of concern about the potential for increased health risks from drinking water with high levels of manganese over long periods of time, we recommend that steps be taken to reduce manganese levels in your drinking water. You could use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Installation of a water treatment system to remove manganese would reduce exposure as well as staining of plumbing fixtures and laundry.

>1,000 mcg/L

Because of the potential for increased health risks from drinking water with high levels of manganese over long periods of time, we recommend that steps be taken to reduce manganese levels in your drinking water. Possible solutions to the problem include using bottled water for drinking and cooking or installing a water treatment system to remove the manganese. A water treatment system would also address problems with staining of laundry and fixtures. Also the water should not be used for making infant formula.    Last Revised: 6/26/96

Mercury

MHEL

Mercury is a silvery, liquid metal that occurs in nature in many different compounds. Pure mercury is used in thermometers, electrical equipment (including water and sump pumps), lamps and dental amalgams. Mercury compounds have been used in paints and pharmaceutical preparations. Mercury generally gets into drinking water as a result of improper waste disposal.

Some people exposed to large amounts of mercury suffered kidney and nervous system damage. Exposure to high levels of mercury damages the kidneys and nervous system of laboratory animals. Chemicals that cause adverse health effects in humans and laboratory animals after high levels of exposure pose a risk of adverse health effects in humans exposed to lower levels over long periods of time.    12/93

Nitrate

MHEL

Nitrate naturally occurs in a number of foods, particularly vegetables. It is also used as preservatives in meats such as bacon. Nitrate is also used to make lawn, garden and agricultural fertilizers and is found in sewage and wastes from farm animals. It generally gets into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into groundwater after application or after improper sewage or animal waste disposal.

Infants are particularly sensitive to nitrate. High levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death in infants under 6 months of age. The serious illness occurs because nitrate is converted to nitrite in the body and nitrite reduces the ability of the infant's blood to carry oxygen. Symptoms of the illness can develop rapidly and include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin (blue baby condition). Exposure to nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 milligrams per liter (10 mg/l) increases the risk of developing the illness. Because the effects of nitrate and nitrite are additive, water containing more than 10 mg/l of total nitrate/nitrite should not be used to prepare infant formula.

Nitrite

MHEL

Nitrite naturally occurs in a number of foods, particularly vegetables. It is also used as preservatives in meats such as bacon. Nitrite is also used to make lawn, garden and agricultural fertilizers and is found in sewage and wastes from farm animals. Nitrite generally gets into drinking water by runoff into surface water or by leaching into groundwater after application or after improper sewage or animal waste disposal. Nitrite is also formed in the body when people ingest food or water containing nitrate.

Infants are particularly sensitive to nitrite. Although high levels of nitrite in drinking water are rarely observed, high levels of nitrate in drinking water (another source of nitrite) have caused serious illness and sometimes death in infants under 6 months of age. The serious illness occurs because nitrate is converted to nitrite in the body and nitrite reduces the ability of the infant's blood to carry oxygen. Symptoms of the illness can develop rapidly and include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin (blue baby condition). Exposure to nitrite in drinking water at levels above 1 milligram per liter (1 mg/l) increases the risk of developing the illness. Because the effects of nitrate and nitrite are additive, water containing more than 10 mg/l of total nitrate/nitrite should not be used to prepare infant formula.

Perchlorate

MHEL

Perchlorates are a family of inorganic compounds or salts that include compounds such as ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, and sodium perchlorate. About 90% of the ammonium perchlorate that is manufactured is used in rocket fuel. Some is also used in fireworks and military explosives. Perchlorate salts are found in fertilizer mined in Chile. Perchlorate is obtained when perchlorate compounds dissolve in water. Drinking water may become contaminated when perchlorate compounds are carried into surface water with runoff or leach into groundwater after crop application or improper waste disposal.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for normal metabolism, growth, and development. High oral doses of perchlorate reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Potassium perchlorate has been used, until recently, as a medicine to reduce abnormally high thyroid hormone levels to normal levels in people with overactive thyroid glands. Thus, most of the data on the human health effects of perchlorate comes from people who took perchlorate to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by high levels of thyroid hormones. A small percentage of these people had adverse side effects, which ranged from minor effects (rashes, fever, swollen lymph glands, or nausea) to more serious effects on the blood and immune systems. In addition, high doses of perchlorate exposure may cause adverse effects in healthy people by reducing the level of thyroid hormones to below normal levels. High doses of perchlorate affect the thyroid gland of animals; short-term exposure (4 days to 4 weeks) reduced thyroid-gland hormone levels in rats and lifelong exposure to very high levels caused benign thyroid tumors in rats. Whether perchlorate causes cancer in humans is unknown. Chemicals that cause adverse health effects in humans and laboratory animals after high levels of exposure pose a risk of adverse health effects in humans exposed to lower levels over long periods of time.    Last Revised: NYSDOH BTSA 1998-11-20

Selenium

MHEL

Selenium is a metal, usually gray, that occurs in nature in many different compounds. It is used in the manufacture of glass, rubber, paint and electrical equipment. Selenium generally gets into drinking water after dissolving from naturally occurring minerals in the ground or after improper waste disposal.

Selenium is an essential nutrient at low levels of exposure. Some people exposed to large amounts of selenium suffered skin, teeth, nail and nervous system damage. Exposure to high levels of selenium damages the liver and reproductive system of laboratory animals and the unborn offspring of laboratory animals exposed during pregnancy.    12/93

Strontium

MHEL

Strontium is a silvery metal that rapidly turns yellowish in air. Strontium is found naturally as a non-radioactive element. Strontium is naturally occurring in rocks, soil, dust, coal, and oil.  Strontium compounds are used in making ceramics and glass products, pyrotechnics, paint pigments, fluorescent lights, and medicines. Exposure to stable or radioactive strontium occurs from ingesting contaminated food or drinking water or breathing contaminated air. In children, high levels of stable strontium can impair bone growth.  Strontium-90 is the most important radioactive isotope in the environment, although strontium-89 can be found around reactors, and strontium-85 is used in industry and medicine. High levels of radioactive strontium can cause anemia or cancer.

EPA and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

Sulfate

MHEL

Sulfate is a substance that occurs naturally in drinking water. Health concerns regarding sulfate in drinking water have been raised because of reports that diarrhea may be associated with the ingestion of water containing high levels of sulfate. Of particular concern are groups within the general population that may be at greater risk from the laxative effects of sulfate when they experience an abrupt change from drinking water with low sulfate concentrations to drinking water with high sulfate concentrations.    Last Revised: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sulfate.html 26-Jul-2001

Thallium

MHEL

Thallium is a bluish-white metal found in the ores of copper, zinc and lead. It is used in the manufacture of electronic equipment, drugs, glass and metal alloys. Contamination of drinking water may occur if thallium gets into surface water or groundwater after dissolving from minerals in the ground or after improper waste disposal.

Some workers exposed to large amounts of thallium suffered hair loss and nervous system damage. Exposure to high levels of thallium causes hair loss and damages the nervous system and testes of laboratory animals. Chemicals that cause adverse health effects in workers and laboratory animals after high levels of exposure pose a risk of adverse health effects in humans exposed to lower levels over long periods of time.    Last Revised: NYSDOH BTSA 11/96