Increase of specific symptoms after long-term use of chlorophenol polluted drinking water in a community

Chlorophenols contaminated the drinking water system and a local lake in the village of Järvelä in southern Finland. Period prevalence rates of symptoms, signs and diseases among the residents 15 years or older who responded (69%) to a survey in the contaminated area (1773 subjects) were compared with the rates of three uncontaminated areas (2018 subjects). Gastrointestinal and skin symptoms, in particular, were significantly (p < 0.05) more common in the contaminated area than in each control area. Nausea, general malaise, headache, anorexia, exceptional tiredness, and respiratory infections were significantly increased compared to the control areas combined. A dose–response was also observed: higher consumption of drinking water and contaminated fish further significantly increased (p < 0.05) reported symptoms. In conclusion, long-term use of chlorophenol polluted household water and fish can cause symptoms already familiar in connection with occupational chlorophenol exposures.