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Contaminant
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Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water
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Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water
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Antimony
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimony
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Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar
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Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
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Arsenic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic
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Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer
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Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass & electronicsproduction wastes
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Asbestos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos
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Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps
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Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits
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Barium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barium
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Increase in blood pressure
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Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
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Beryllium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium
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Intestinal lesions
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Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries
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Cadmium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmium
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Kidney damage
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Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints
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Chromium (total)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium
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Allergic dermatitis
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Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits
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Copper
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper
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Short term exposure: Gastrointestinal distress
Long term exposure: Liver or kidney damage
People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor if the amount of copper in their water exceeds the action level
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Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
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Cyanide (as free cyanide)
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Nerve damage or thyroid problems
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Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories
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Fluoride
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoride
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Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth
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Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
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Lead
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead
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Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities
Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure
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Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
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Mercury (inorganic)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)
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Kidney damage
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Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands
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Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen)
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Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
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Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
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Selenium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selenium
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Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems
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Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
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Thallium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thallium
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Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems
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Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories
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