Increase of specific symptoms after long-term use of chlorophenol polluted drinking water in a community.
Chlorophenols contaminated the drinking water system and a local lake in the village of Järvelä in southern Finland. Period prevalence rates of symptoms, signs and diseases among the residents 15 years or older who responded (69%) to a survey in the contaminated area (1773 subjects) were compared with the rates of three uncontaminated areas (2018 subjects). Gastrointestinal and skin symptoms, in particular, were significantly (p < 0.05) more common in the contaminated area than in each control area. Nausea, general malaise, headache, anorexia, exceptional tiredness, and respiratory infections were significantly increased compared to the control areas combined. A dose-response was also observed: higher consumption of drinking water and contaminated fish further significantly increased (p < 0.05) reported symptoms. In conclusion, long-term use of chlorophenol polluted household water and fish can cause symptoms already familiar in connection with occupational chlorophenol exposures.
Lampi
P
P
National Public Health Institute, Division of Environmental Health, Kuopio, Finland.
Vohlonen
I
I
Tuomisto
J
J
Heinonen
O P
OP
D002733:Chlorophenols; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical; D014881:Water Supply
D002733:Chlorophenols