Conference proceedings are available at in PDF

On May 14 and 15, 1991, the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC) held the "Conference on Water Quality, Agriculture, and Public Health" at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Human exposures to drinking water contaminants from point and nonpoint agricultural sources have been a focus of CHEEC research and service activities since the Center's inception in July, 1987. This conference, co-sponsored by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (U.S. Public Health Service) presented exposure and risk assessment research being conducted in Iowa by faculty of The University of Iowa, and the U.S. Geological Survey and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources-Geological Survey Bureau scientist. In addition, representatives of the agricultural chemical industry addressed risk assessment, communication, safety and education programs and industry priorities. The conference provided a forum for reasoned discussion of public health issues related to water contamination by agricultural chemicals. Initial steps toward establishing a common ground for future collaboration between government, academia and industry on water quality and prevention efforts were taken.