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. Windha

AnsweredQoN 1422Legislative Assembly
Asked
6 May 2003
Portfolio
Health

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?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
10 June 2003
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
35 days
1.
The research referred to exists
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 mg/L although occassional results up to 1000 mg/L are acceptable.
3.
- 4. I understand my colleague the Minister for Government Enterprises is supplying answers to these questions.

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