Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown chemical in the drinking water of millions of Americans, sparking concerns about its potential toxicity. The compound, called chloronitramide anion, is a byproduct of chloramine, which is commonly used by water treatment plants to disinfect drinking water and eliminate harmful diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.
For years, this chemical went unnoticed, but scientists recently reported in the journal Science that they discovered it in water samples from 10 different U.S. water systems that use chloramines. This includes tap water consumed by over 113 million Americans. Though chloramine is generally considered a safer disinfectant than chlorine, the discovery of chloronitramide raises questions about what it may mean for public health.
Chloronitramide anion is difficult to detect due to its stable chemical structure, according to Julian Fairey, an associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas and the study’s lead author. He explained that the challenge lay in identifying the compound and confirming its structure, which required significant effort. The team found concentrations of up to 100 micrograms per liter in some samples, which exceeded the typical regulatory limits for disinfection byproducts.
The health risks associated with chloronitramide remain unclear. While it has been difficult to study its effects, Fairey emphasizes the importance of further investigation. “There’s good reason to investigate the toxicity of this compound,” he said. The concern is that long-term exposure to such chemicals could lead to chronic toxicity, potentially increasing the risk of diseases like cancer. However, the exact link between chloronitramide and any adverse health outcomes has not been established.
Drinking water treated with chlorine and chloramine has been the subject of ongoing health discussions. Some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to chlorinated water may increase the risk of bladder cancer, birth defects, and respiratory issues due to the byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. For this reason, many water systems have switched from chlorine to chloramine, as it is more stable and generates fewer byproducts. However, as Dr. David Sedlak, a water expert at UC Berkeley, pointed out, this shift has led to unforeseen issues with chloramine-related byproducts, including chloronitramide.
Sedlak explained that the shift from chlorine to chloramine was initially seen as an improvement, but as more research is conducted, scientists are discovering new concerns about the safety of chloramine’s byproducts. He noted that while there is significant data on the health impacts of chlorine-based byproducts, the toxicology of chloramine-related compounds is less understood, and more studies are needed.
In light of these findings, researchers suggest that concerned individuals may want to consider using a carbon-based filter, such as a Brita filter, to reduce exposure to potential contaminants in their tap water. While this discovery is just the beginning, it underscores the need for ongoing research into the chemicals present in our drinking water and their long-term effects on public health.
