NGOs call on WHO to update drinking water nitrate standards

Eighty-five environmental and health organizations, including Greenpeace and WONCA, have requested the World Health Organization to overhaul its decades-old standards for nitrate levels in drinking water. Critics argue that the current 50 mg/l limit, established in 1958, fails to account for modern epidemiological evidence linking chronic exposure to lower levels of nitrates with colorectal cancer and birth complications. Coinciding with 'One Health' day, the coalition highlighted research from a Danish government-appointed panel that suggests reducing the limit to 6 mg/l. Given that many nations align their domestic policies with WHO guidelines, the NGOs emphasize that an international update is essential to safeguard public health against pollutants stemming from intensive farming.