|
 |
|
What if I have
special health needs?
People who have HIV/AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy,
take steroids, or for another reason have a weakened immune
system may be more susceptible to microbial contaminants,
including Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. If you or someone
you know fall into one of these categories, talk to your health
care provider to find out if you need to take special
precautions, such as boiling your water.
Young children are particularly susceptible to the
effects of high levels of certain contaminants, including nitrate
and lead. To avoid exposure to lead, use water from the cold tap
for making baby formula, drinking, and cooking, and let the water
run for a minute or more if the water hasn't been turned on
for six or more hours. If your water supplier alerts you that
your water does not meet EPA's standard for nitrates and you
have children less than six months old, consult your health care
provider. You may want to find an alternate source of water that
contains lower levels of nitrates for your child.
Return to Drinking Water & Health: what you need to know
|
