Study Focuses on Arsenic Level Links to Health

Since 1997, the town of Fallon, Nev., has seen 15 cases of cancer in children that so far have resulted in two deaths, reported an article in the Reno Gazette Journal.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will conduct a study to find out if arsenic-tainted drinking water is to be blamed. The study, which will begin in August, will focus on long-term exposure to Churchill County residents.

Fallon city officials welcomed the study, saying that it has been needed for a long time particularly since the EPA lowered the Arsenic standard last year from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. Currently, Fallon's arsenic level is at 100 ppb

In addition, Mayor Ken Tedford, requested a follow-up study once Fallon begins treating its drinking water supply for arsenic in 2003. The national deadline for compliance with the new arsenic standard is 2006.

An estimated 4,000 community water systems will be affected by the new arsenic standard, which, according to the EPA, could cost $200 million. The National Resources Defense Council estimated that 56 milion Americans drink water with unsafe levels of arsenic.

Source: Reno Gazette Journal; Wendi Hope King