Uptake via drinking water is only one of the potential pathways by which contaminants enter the human body. Elevated contaminant concentrations may also be found in foodstuffs and beverages or in water used for food preparation (Fig. 3.1). Locally produced cereals and vegetables using contaminated irrigation waters may contain elevated contaminant levels. Medical products or industrial production can also be sources of contamination. Though not an alternative to the provision of safe drinking water where water contamination is high, an understanding of the uptake pathways widens the scope of the mitigation possibilities to include changes in food production and consumption behaviour.
Fig. 3.1 Different food and water pathways by which contaminants may enter the body (Terms of use: Cite original source from Handbook)
For more information on the health effects of consuming contaminants through groundwater visit the following links:
What are the effects of arsenic on human health?
NOTE: Article from the Geogenic Contamination Handbook
keywords
health risk, exposure, groundwater, groundwater contamination, water, potential, contaminated irrigation waters, industrial production, contaminated irrigation waters, contaminant concentrations, contaminant levels
For references, please visit the page
References - Geogenic Contamination Handbook
Please find the PDF of the complete handbook chapter
Health risks from the consumption of
How are health risks quantified?
What are the health risk of exposure to groundwater contamination?
Here you can find information about
What is natural or geogenic contamination of groundwater?