A spill that contaminated drinking waters in England may be responsible for reports of memory loss, concentration lapses and other problems with brain function among area residents. On July 6, 1988, 20 tons of aluminum sulfate was accidentally emptied into a treated water reservoir serving 20,000 people in Camelford, Cornwall in southwest England. It is known that aluminum exposure may induce brain disease, bone disease and anemia. Two years after the incident, about 400 people were suffering from various symptoms attributed to the spill. Three years later, 55 people were considering taking legal action.

British Medical Journal September 25,1999;319:807-811.

COMMENT: Another reason why one should avoid tap water at all times. Accidents happen and there is frequently no way to learn about the problem until after the fact. For those of you who are vegetable gardeners, it is important to note that you should NEVER use aluminum sulfate to increase the acid in your soil. Although this is commonly sold in gardening supply stores. Aluminum is a toxic poison and that is the last thing you want to put into your soil. The alternative would be elemental sulfur.