Maine Health and Environmental Testing Lab

Selenium

Drinking Water Standard and Health Risks

Selenium in small amounts is beneficial to health. Levels over the primary drinking water standard of 0.01 milligrams per liter may cause nervous system disorders, skins problems and in extreme cases may be fatal.

Possible Source of Contamination

Selenium occurs naturally in drinking water, though in trace amounts only. It can also form in higher concentrations in some soils. Selenium is a by-product of copper refining.

Silver

Drinking Water Standard and Health Risks

Amounts of silver in drinking water over the drinking water standard of 0.05 milligrams per liter may cause a permanent blue-gray discoloration of eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

Possible Source of Contamination

Only trace amounts of silver are found naturally in drinking water. Silver contamination of water can be caused by disposal of industrial waste, including waste from metal plating and photographic processing industries.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, CONTACT THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING LABORATORY AT 287-1716.

AGENCY INFORMATION