In a media release last Thursday, The Niue Public Health Division has received a comprehensive report following a thorough investigation into concerns over a potential link between water quality and the increasing number of cancer cases on the island.
On the 9th February 2024, the Public Health Division requested assistance from the World Health Organization to explore concerns about the quality of Niue’s groundwater.
This inquiry came up due to concerns that certain contaminants in the water might be linked to a rise in cancer cases. The last study on this matter was carried out in 2010 with support from the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission.
Technical and expert support was provided, and water samples were collected from key areas with significant population density and historical concerns included the villages of Alofi, Vaiea, Liku, Mutalau, Tuapa and the Niue High School reservoir.
The results showed that the levels of determinants were below the maximum accepted value threshold set by WHO and New Zealand standards, and there were no carcinogens detected.
Carcinogenic determinands refer to substances that have the potential to cause cancer when present in drinking water. These can include certain chemicals, heavy metals, or organic compounds that may pose health risks over time.
The findings are clear that Niue’s groundwater is unlikely to be a contributing factor to the increase in cancer cases on the island. The final report was completed in May 2024 with the collaboration between various stakeholders.
BCN News reached out to the Niue Health Division for a comment regarding this report however there was no response from their end when this bulletin went to air.