Chemical

 Possible Health Effects**

EPA Drinking Water Standard (mg/L)

Aluminum

Irritation of skin, eyes, nose and upper respiratory tract. Loss of feeling in limbs, drop in blood pressure, damage to liver, kidneys, and lungs. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Skin or tooth discoloration.*

Secondaryi

0.05 to .20

Arsenic

Cancer (liver, bladder, lung, kidney, and skin).

Skin Damage, problems with circulatory systems, increased risk of cancer.*

0.01

Barium

Respiratory paralysis, muscle twitching or paralysis, may effect pacemaker or the heart muscle.

Increase in Blood Pressure.*

2.0

Beryllium

Lung tumors and lesions, weight loss.

Intestinal lesions.*

0.004

Cadmium

Causes cancer, anemia, discoloration of teeth, & bone changes.

Kidney Damage.*

0.005

Chromium

Irritation to nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract, some compounds may cause cancer.

Skin problems.*

0.1

Copper

Irritation of upper respiratory tract, corneal ulcers and skin irritation, green hair.

Short term: Gastrointestinal distress. Long term exposure: liver or kidney damage.*

1.3

Iron

Decreased blood pressure, bloody diarrhea or coma, vomiting, mild lethargy.

Secondary

0.3

Lead

May cause cancer. Lethargy, autoimmunity, problems with joints, kidneys, and nervous system. Infertility and birth defects

Children: delays in physical or mental development, deficits in attention span and learning ability

Adults: Kidney problems, high blood pressure.*

0.015

Manganese

Loss of controlled movement; weakness, stiff muscles, and trembling hands, hallucinations, forgetfulness and nerve damage, Parkinson, lung embolism and bronchitis.

0.05

Selenium

Hair loss, deformed nails; rashes and redness in skin; numbness in arms or legs.

Fingernail loss; numb fingers or toes, circulatory problems*

0.05

Sodium

Could interfere with blood pressure medication

Tertiary

Sulfuric Acid

Acid Mine Drainage

Corrosive and irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts

Secondary:

250

Zinc

Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, anemia, damage to the pancreas, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Secondary 5

i Secondary and Tertiary drinking water standards are not enforceable under federal EPA. For tertiary standards, the known effects are limited or occur over a long period of time (lifetime advisory); therefore, the federal government does not state quantifiable limits of intake.