The WHO guideline value for arsenic in drinking water is 10 μg/L. The permissible limit set by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for drinking water is:
- A 50 μg/L as the standard limit
- B 25 μg/L as the standard limit
- C 10 μg/L (same as WHO, with relaxed limit of 50 μg/L where no alternative is available) ✓
- D 5 μg/L — stricter than WHO
Correct answer: C. 10 μg/L (same as WHO, with relaxed limit of 50 μg/L where no alternative is available)
Explanation
BIS IS 10500:2012 (revised 2019) sets the acceptable limit for arsenic in drinking water at 10 μg/L (matching WHO guidelines), with a permissible limit of 50 μg/L where no alternative source is available. This dual-limit system reflects realistic ground realities in arsenic-endemic areas like West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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