❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about trihalomethane (THM) levels in drinking water and their potential impact on health, referencing a recent study. The Minister's response provides data on THM concentrations and assures routine monitoring.
AnsweredQoN 1421Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware of new research published online on 25 March 2003, in Environmental Health Perspectives (Journal of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) by Gayle C. Windham
et al
entitled ‘Chlorination by-Products in Drinking Water and the
Menstrual Cycle Function’?
(2) Is the Minister aware that this research showed changes to ovarian function as a result of exposure to trihalomethanes (THM) produced as a result of the chlorination of domestic drinking water supplies?
(3) What is the range and average of THM concentrations in chlorinated water supplies provided by the Water Corporation?
(4) How do these concentrations compare with the 60 ug/L THM (TTHM) level reported in the above research paper as being responsible for changes to ovarian function?
(5) If analysis of THM levels are not being routinely determined by the Water Corporation, why is this the case?
(6) Will the Minister direct the Water Corporation to undertake such analyses if they are currently not being undertaken and, if not, why not?
et al
entitled ‘Chlorination by-Products in Drinking Water and the
Menstrual Cycle Function’?
(2) Is the Minister aware that this research showed changes to ovarian function as a result of exposure to trihalomethanes (THM) produced as a result of the chlorination of domestic drinking water supplies?
(3) What is the range and average of THM concentrations in chlorinated water supplies provided by the Water Corporation?
(4) How do these concentrations compare with the 60 ug/L THM (TTHM) level reported in the above research paper as being responsible for changes to ovarian function?
(5) If analysis of THM levels are not being routinely determined by the Water Corporation, why is this the case?
(6) Will the Minister direct the Water Corporation to undertake such analyses if they are currently not being undertaken and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
3 June 2003
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Government Enterprises
Response time
28 days
(2) The authors of the report only claim "these findings suggest that THM exceedence may effect ovarian function and should be confirmed in other studies". Animal studies have found an association between high concentrations of THMs and cancer. Such a link has not been established for humans, but most health authorities around the world have taken a precautionary approach and adopted a maximum recommended concentration for THMs. In Australia, the 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), prepared by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend that average THM concentrations should not exceed 250 ug/L although occasional results up to 1000 ug/L are acceptable. (3) In the 12 months to 30 April 2003, the average THM concentration in Water Corporation supplies was 85 ug/L. The range was 1 ug/L to 417 ug/L. (4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
Animal studies have found an association between high concentrations of THMs and cancer. Such a link has not been established for humans, but most health authorities around the world have taken a precautionary approach and adopted a maximum recommended concentration for THMs. In Australia, the 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), prepared by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend that average THM concentrations should not exceed 250 ug/L although occasional results up to 1000 ug/L are acceptable. (3) In the 12 months to 30 April 2003, the average THM concentration in Water Corporation supplies was 85 ug/L. The range was 1 ug/L to 417 ug/L. (4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(3) In the 12 months to 30 April 2003, the average THM concentration in Water Corporation supplies was 85 ug/L. The range was 1 ug/L to 417 ug/L. (4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.
Animal studies have found an association between high concentrations of THMs and cancer. Such a link has not been established for humans, but most health authorities around the world have taken a precautionary approach and adopted a maximum recommended concentration for THMs. In Australia, the 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), prepared by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend that average THM concentrations should not exceed 250 ug/L although occasional results up to 1000 ug/L are acceptable. (3) In the 12 months to 30 April 2003, the average THM concentration in Water Corporation supplies was 85 ug/L. The range was 1 ug/L to 417 ug/L. (4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(3) In the 12 months to 30 April 2003, the average THM concentration in Water Corporation supplies was 85 ug/L. The range was 1 ug/L to 417 ug/L. (4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(4) See (3). (5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(5) THM concentrations are routinely determined for all Water Corporation water supplies. (6) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.
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