Iron is an essential mineral required by the human body for several critical biological processes, including red blood cell formation and protein synthesis. As one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, iron is often found in low levels in water and many types of food. Although iron toxicity can cause serious health consequences, cases of iron poisoning from drinking water are relatively rare. If you suspect you have iron poisoning, contact emergency medical services immediately.
Appearance of Water
Several signs may indicate that your water has higher-than-normal levels of iron. When the concentration of iron in water grows higher than 0.3 mg per liter, or mg/L, the water often develops a distinct metallic taste and strong odor. Additionally, glasses, dishes, sinks and bathtubs may develop a yellow, red or brown-stain color when the concentration of iron in water exceeds 0.3 mg/L. Laundry washed in the water may also develop a slight red or yellow tint.
Upper Tolerable Intake Level
While the odor and taste of water containing more than 0.3 mg/L are unpleasant, at this concentration of iron, severe health consequences will only develop after drinking a very large amount. The upper tolerable intake level of iron for adults is 40 mg per day, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. At a concentration of 0.3 mg/L, you would have to drink 133 liters, or 35 gallons, of the foul-tasting water to ingest toxic amounts of iron.
Higher Concentrations
As the concentration of iron in water increases, the appearance of the water changes to a greater extent. Intermediate levels of iron in water will result in reddish-brown particles settling at the bottom of the glass. Very high concentrations of iron in water will cause the water to have a rusty red or yellow color. Water contaminated with high levels of iron often leads to plumbing or drainage problems.
Symptoms of Toxicity
Most cases of iron toxicity result from overdosing on health supplements or vitamins that contain iron, rather than consumption of contaminated drinking water. The symptoms of iron toxicity often include a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation. Dehydration may also occur, resulting in low blood pressure, a weak and fast pulse and possibly shock. Neurological symptoms may also develop, including chills, convulsions, dizziness, headache, fever and potentially coma.
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