Incorporating potable water sources and use habits into surveys that improve surrogate exposure estimates for water contaminants: the case of bisphenol A
Journal
Journal of Water and Health
Date Issued
March 2014
Author(s)
DOI
10.2166/wh.2013.068
Abstract
Human biomonitoring studies for water contaminants are often accompanied by surveys relying
solely on total drinking water consumption rates, thus, failing to account for specific water sources
(bottled and tap water) and use habits, such as water used for preparing cold/hot beverages (coffee,
tea, juice, etc.). Despite the extensive use of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate (PC)-based water
contact materials, rarely do BPA biomonitoring studies focus on various PC water uses and sources.
Better resolved water consumption rates could reduce the uncertainty associated with surrogate
daily BPA intake estimates using fine-tuned surveys. This approach provided a proof of concept on
inclusion of water consumption from various sources and uses into estimates of daily intake for
water contaminants like BPA found in water-contact materials. The next steps would be in
quantifying the extent of improvement in exposure assessment that adds value to refined survey
designs.
solely on total drinking water consumption rates, thus, failing to account for specific water sources
(bottled and tap water) and use habits, such as water used for preparing cold/hot beverages (coffee,
tea, juice, etc.). Despite the extensive use of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate (PC)-based water
contact materials, rarely do BPA biomonitoring studies focus on various PC water uses and sources.
Better resolved water consumption rates could reduce the uncertainty associated with surrogate
daily BPA intake estimates using fine-tuned surveys. This approach provided a proof of concept on
inclusion of water consumption from various sources and uses into estimates of daily intake for
water contaminants like BPA found in water-contact materials. The next steps would be in
quantifying the extent of improvement in exposure assessment that adds value to refined survey
designs.