Route of Exposure: Drinking Water

Measuring chemicals in water

• The concentration of chemicals in water or soil is often reported in parts or million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb).

• Chemicals present in ppm or ppb amounts can have human health effects.

Demonstrating ppm and ppb• Serial Dilution Activity

Safe Drinking Water Act • Sets Standards for Drinking Water Contaminants– Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)• Microorganisms • Disinfectants • Disinfection Byproducts • Inorganic Chemicals • Organic Chemicals • Radionuclides

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html#mcls