title: The arsenic content of bottled mineral waters.
abstract: The arsenic levels of 23 mineral waters on sale to the public in the United Kingdom were measured. The arsenic content of most waters was below 1 μg L(-1) but the statutory limits of 50 ug L(-1) for natural mineral waters and 100 μg L(-1) for non-alcoholic beverages were exceeded by the French mineral water, Vichy Célestins (220 ug L(-1)). Regular consumption of mineral water of such elevated concentration could make a significant contribution to the intake of the more toxic inorganic species of arsenic, with possible adverse long-term effects on the health of some individuals. The general need for analytical speciation studies of dietary arsenic is emphasised.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine and Science, University of Glasgow, USA.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Johnson