The results of a Spanish study released Wednesday show that in 6500 annual cases of bladder cancer (about 5% of all cases in Europe, including Portugal) can be attributed to exposure to chemicals (trihalomethanes) in Europe. potable water.
According to research, these substances, which are used to disinfect tap water, are highly toxic. CM by urologist Fernando Calais da Silva. “The article is very well done and the information it contains is credible. It turns out that tap water is not always bad – sporadically there are spikes that get out of control,” he explained.
The countries with the highest incidence of bladder cancer attributable to trihalomethane exposure are Cyprus (23%), Malta (17%), Ireland (17%), Spain (11%) and Greece (10%). Portugal has an incidence of 9.1%.
“These are poor countries, with worse infrastructure and worse conditions to treat water. This problem can only be solved at the government level,” concludes Calais da Silva. Contacted by the CM, EPAL – Portuguese Company of Free Waters guaranteed that “meets all parametric values, in accordance with the legislation in force”.
Already confronted with information, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action goes further. “The compliance rate for trihalomethane is 99.4%. Very marginal non-compliances are reported to the health authority within one working day.
People can be assured that they can drink tap water with confidence. ”
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