Work in progress and drafts for the ongoing revision of the guidelines

Nickel

Nickel is included in the plan of work for rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality.

Background

The Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality Final Task Force meeting (Geneva, 2003) noted that a new study reports significant addition of nickel to drinking-water through household appliances such as kettles and that results from a new reproductive effects study were likely to become available soon. The meeting recommended that the Working Group Coordinator for Additives consider aspects of exposure and their control and that the Iinternational Programme for Chemical Safety be asked to lead the updating of the risk assessment.

Expected end-product(s)

Revised background document and summary statement for publication in first addendum to third edition

This is now available as a draft for comment.

Comments on the draft would be welcome and should be submitted by e-mail before 31 October 2004.