Newly Identified Chemical in Drinking Water May Be Toxic, Study Finds
About a Third of U.S. Residents Exposed to Unstudied Chemical
About a third of U.S. residents have been receiving tap water containing a previously unidentified chemical byproduct, a new study has found. Some scientists are now concerned — and actively investigating — whether that chemical could be toxic.
Chloronitramide Anion: The Newly Identified Substance
The newly identified substance, named “chloronitramide anion,” is produced when water is treated with chloramine, a chemical formed by mixing chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is often used to kill viruses and bacteria in municipal water treatment systems.
Discovery of the Chemical
Researchers said the existence of the byproduct was discovered about 40 years ago, but it was only identified now because analysis techniques have improved, which finally enabled scientists to determine the chemical’s structure.
Concerns about the Chemical’s Toxicity
It could take years to figure out whether chloronitramide anion is dangerous — it’s never been studied. The researchers reported their findings in the journal Science, in part to spur research to address safety concerns. They said they have no hard evidence to suggest that the compound represents a danger, but that it bears similarities to other chemicals of concern. They think it deserves scrutiny because it’s been detected so widely.
Experts Weigh In
“It has similarity to other toxic molecules,” said David Wahman, one of the study’s authors and a research environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency. “We looked for it in 40 samples in 10 U.S. chlorinated drinking water systems located in seven states. We did find it in all the samples.”
Widespread Presence of the Chemical
Chloronitramide anion is produced as chloramine decays over time. It’s likely to be found in all drinking water treated via this method, he said.
Questions about Tap Water Safety
The fact that a byproduct with unknown risks could be so ubiquitous and evade researchers for so long renews questions about potential health effects of the chemicals used to treat tap water.
Regulations and Further Research
The EPA only regulates a handful of disinfectant byproducts, including several associated with the use of chlorine. Scientists said those regulations have pushed some water providers to increase the use of chloramine.
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the need for further research on the potential health risks associated with the use of chloramine in water treatment. While the EPA has regulations in place for some disinfectant byproducts, the discovery of chloronitramide anion raises concerns about the long-term health effects of these chemicals. As the scientific community continues to investigate the potential risks, water utilities and the public should remain vigilant and proactive in seeking answers about the safety of their drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is chloronitramide anion?
Chloronitramide anion is a newly identified chemical byproduct produced when water is treated with chloramine, a chemical formed by mixing chlorine and ammonia.
* How common is chloronitramide anion in tap water?
About a third of U.S. residents have been receiving tap water containing the chemical, according to a new study.
* Is chloronitramide anion toxic?
The chemical’s toxicity is still unknown, but researchers are concerned about its potential health effects due to its similarity to other toxic molecules.
* How can I remove chloronitramide anion from my drinking water?
Active carbon filters, such as those used in home water purification devices or refrigerator filters, may be effective in removing the chemical, but more research is needed to confirm this.
