The Water Quality Center is currently involved in two investigations of water quality and cancer. In Lynchburg Virginia, a portion of the community is serviced by septic systems. Often, these systems are minimally serviced or not serviced at all. This produces effluent exposure in yards and small streams near homes. A study is underway to determine the potential links between this effluent and health.
Additionally, we are initiating a project to explore the drinking water exposure of residents in portions of Costa Rica and H. pylori infection. Many residents in rural Costa Rica drink untreated water potentially exposing themselves to transfer of this bacterium. We are looking at exposure and water source to determine any links.
“Relationship Between Cancer and Ecological Integrity” by Dr. Pooja Mehra, University of Virginia Medical School, and Dr. Thomas Shahady, University of Lynchburg (PDF)