Several contaminants should be routinely tested in water sources to prevent cancer, including:
- Arsenic: Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been linked to various cancers, including skin, bladder, and lung cancer. - Lead: Although not directly carcinogenic, lead exposure can cause significant health issues that may predispose individuals to cancer. - Radon: This naturally occurring radioactive gas can dissolve in groundwater and has been linked to lung cancer. - Pesticides and Herbicides: These chemicals can infiltrate water supplies and have been associated with several cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. - Industrial Chemicals: Compounds like benzene and trichloroethylene are known carcinogens often found in industrial waste.
