Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
New York Medical College, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Pediatr Res. 2020 Oct;88(4):535-543. doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-0985-4. Epub 2020 May 29.
Children are uniquely susceptible to the health consequences of water contamination. In this review, we summarize the existing, robust literature supporting the importance of examining specific water contaminants (i.e., lead, pesticides, nitrates, arsenic, perchlorate) and the routes of contamination in the United States and globally. We also discuss the health effects of exposure to contaminated water and significant disparities related to access to clean water. Lastly, we offer strategies for prevention and intervention-including those focused on the individual patient level-and review the current US policy framework pertaining to regulation of these toxicants. IMPACT: A key message in this article is that exposure to water contaminants have serious and long-lasting consequences on children's health. This review summarizes current existing literature and adds policy recommendations supporting clean water for children. Information from this review has two potential impacts: Guide health professionals in screening and/or treating children's health problems resulting from water contaminant exposure. Guide policy makers in using evidence-based approaches to improve water quality and clean water access.
儿童特别容易受到水污染对健康的影响。在这篇综述中，我们总结了现有的强有力的文献，支持检查美国和全球特定的水污染物质（即铅、农药、硝酸盐、砷、高氯酸盐）和污染途径的重要性。我们还讨论了接触污染水的健康影响以及与获得清洁水有关的重大差异。最后，我们提供了预防和干预策略，包括针对个体患者层面的策略，并审查了目前美国有关这些有毒物质监管的政策框架。
本文的一个关键信息是，接触水污染物会对儿童健康造成严重且持久的影响。这篇综述总结了目前现有的文献，并提出了支持儿童清洁水的政策建议。该综述中的信息有两个潜在影响：
指导卫生专业人员筛查和/或治疗因水污染物暴露而导致的儿童健康问题。
指导政策制定者采用循证方法来改善水质和清洁水的获取。
