Study: Nitrates in Iowa water cause 300 cancer cases annually
A new study says Iowa water could cause cancer and that nitrates in the state's drinking water are to blame.
The study, conducted by scientists, claims nitrates in Iowa drinking water may be tied to 300 cases of cancer each year.
"I think this is good evidence," said David Osterberg, professor and a researcher for the Iowa Policy Project. "We want to protect people. We don't want to scare people."
Osterberg said the study points to a need for change when it comes to what is considered a safe level of nitrate.
"We have this voluntary standard that supposedly improves water quality," he said. "It is not doing the job."
Nationally, the study shows nitrate pollution in drinking water may cause more than 12,000 cases of cancer per year.
Iowa has a history of elevated nitrates in its drinking water.
"Enough of this is going to show, getting back to the policy implication, (that) we need to do more about water quality and we're not doing it in Iowa," Osterberg said.
Cancer isn't the only consequence of elevated nitrate levels. The study reported that elevated nitrate levels are linked to an increased risk of birth defects.
