科研之友
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摘要
Objective: We identified two water tanks in Tasmania with water lead concentrations exceeding the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) limit; they had been constructed with stainless steel and high-lead solder from a single manufacturer. An investigation was initiated to identify all tanks constructed by this manufacturer and prevent further exposure to contaminated water. Methods: To identify water tanks we used sales accounts, blood and water lead results from laboratories, and media. We analysed blood and water lead concentration results from laboratories and conducted a nested cohort study of blood lead concentrations in children aged <18 years. Results: We identifed 144 tanks constructed from stainless steel and high lead solder. Median water lead concentrations were significantly higher in the stainless steel tanks (121 mu g/L) than in the galvanised tanks (1 mu g/L). Blood lead concentrations ranged from 1 to 26 mu g/dL (median 5 mu g/dL); of these, 77% (n=50) were below the then-recommended health-related concentration of 10 mu g/dL. Concentrations in the 15 people (23%) above this limit ranged from 10-26 mu g/dL, with a median of 14 mu g/dL. The median blood lead concentration in the nested cohort of children was initially 8.5 mu g/dL, dropping to 4.5 mu g/dL after follow-up. Conclusions: Lead concentrations in the water tanks constructed from stainless steel and high-lead solder were up to 200 times above the recommended ADWG limits. Implications for public health: This investigation highlights the public health risk posed by use of non-compliant materials in constructing water tanks.
- 出版日期2018-2
