Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The review article addresses the ongoing concerns regarding drinking water quality in the United States. The review evaluates the risks associated with seven contaminants that continue to pose significant health threats: arsenic, disinfection by-products, fracking-related substances, lead, nitrate, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and uranium. These contaminants originate from a variety of sources, including industrial processes, agricultural runoff, and natural occurrences, and their presence in public water systems continues to affect millions of Americans. The article highlights that despite advances in water infrastructure, many public water systems are still challenged by aging pipes, insufficient treatment technologies, and the widespread use of contaminants like lead and PFAS. It also discusses the implications of climate change, which exacerbates contamination risks through extreme weather events and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Who is affected?
The primary stakeholders affected by the contaminants outlined in this review include communities that rely on public water systems (PWSs), particularly small systems and those with aging infrastructure. Vulnerable populations, such as children, low-income communities, and marginalized groups, including Indigenous populations, are at higher risk of exposure to contaminants like lead, arsenic, and PFAS. In particular, areas with limited access to safe water and communities relying on groundwater sources, which are more susceptible to contamination, are most affected. Public health authorities, regulatory bodies like the EPA, and water utility providers must ensure that water systems meet safety standards and that adequate treatment methods are in place to reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
Most important findings
The review identifies several critical sources of arsenic exposure, with drinking water being the largest contributor. Arsenic contamination in water, particularly from groundwater, is a major health threat, especially in regions where arsenic leaches from soil and geological formations. The review notes that industrial activities, including mining and metal processing, contribute significantly to the contamination of both air and water with arsenic. Furthermore, arsenic is used in wood preservatives and pesticides, which can lead to environmental contamination. Cigarette smoking is also recognized as a source of arsenic exposure, with smokers having higher urinary arsenic concentrations than non-smokers. The article highlights that food, particularly crops irrigated with water contaminated with arsenic, contributes to dietary arsenic exposure. The review emphasizes the need for more stringent regulations to lower arsenic levels in drinking water and food.
Key implications
The findings of this review have substantial implications for both public health and the water industry. Water systems, particularly small ones, must be equipped with the latest treatment technologies to address the complex mix of legacy and emerging contaminants. Public health policies must continue to evolve in response to new scientific data, particularly regarding PFAS, lead, and nitrate. The review also stresses the need for more robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with drinking water standards and to address discrepancies in water quality across different regions. For food manufacturers, particularly those using water in food processing, ensuring that their water sources meet safety standards will be critical for maintaining public health and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for more focused research on low-level exposures, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Citation
Levin, Ronnie, Cristina M. Villanueva, Daniel Beene, Angie L. Cradock, Johnnye Lewis, Darya Minovi, Anne E. Nigra et al. US Drinking Water Quality: Exposure Risk Profiles for Seven Legacy and Emerging Contaminants. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology34, no. 1 (2024): 3-22. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-023-00597-z.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
