Fungi in drinking water

A report commissioned by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has reviewed the available evidence on potential human health risks from fungi in drinking water.

The review fund found that tap water may be a source of exposure to a number of pathogenic or allergenic fungal species, but current evidence does not suggest significant health risks to the general population.

However, in immunocompromised individuals fungal infections are difficult to treat and can be life threatening. Further research was recommended on the relative contribution of drinking water compared to other sources of environmental and foodborne exposure in the transmission of fungal infections to such vulnerable groups.

You can read more about this issue, and the report, in issue 64 of WQRA's HealthStream.