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Conclusions

Table of contents Introduction Arsenic Fluoride Other elements in water Conclusions References and further information

The key points about the natural hazards in water are as follows:

• All trace elements are toxic in excess
• Some natural waters contain undesirable levels of fluoride, arsenic and other contaminants. The health effects depend on diet and general state of health: a well balanced diet can reduce or remove many of the harmful effects.
• Multiple exposure must be taken into account when assessing the effects of trace elements in water. This can be through food, air, industrial contamination and products such as toothpaste.
• The main toxicity from drinking water is from long-term exposure and occasional consumption of water above the guideline value is generally of no public health importance.

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