PSYCHOLOGICAL-TESTING ON SCHOOLCHILDREN BEFORE AND AFTER POLLUTION OFDRINKING-WATER IN NORTH CORNWALL

The tap water supply in Camelford, North Cornwall and environs was con taminated by aluminium and other metals in 1988. Richmond tests were r outinely given before and after the pollution and here scores are comp ared between 39 children from schools in the contaminated area and 64 children from Cornish schools outside the polluted area. The study was retrospective and it was not possible to determine whether or how muc h polluted water individuals had consumed. No differences were found b etween groups either before or after the pollution accident nor was th ere any evidence for any sub-group of the polluted group which had bee n affected. The limits of conclusions which can be drawn from data ava ilable are discussed.