Effect on Human Health due to Drinking Water Contaminated with Heavy Metals

Abstract

Due to industrialization and environmental effects the drinking water quality has been greatly affected in Pakistan. A number of industries are draining their waste containing heavy metals without any treatment in effluents. As a result of this practice almost all of the fresh water resources are getting contaminated, although the deep aquifer in most of the countries is still safe from contamination of heavy metals. In drinking water, presence of heavy metals is threat to human health. People exposed to heavy metals through water consumption are vulnerable to cancer and other risks. This research aims at reviewing the presence of heavy metals in drinking water and their possible health effects.