Newly Identified Chemical in Tap Water Raises Concerns
About a Third of U.S. Residents Exposed
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.
The Chemical: Chloronitramide Anion
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 and Concerns
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. It could take years to figure out whether chloronitramide anion is dangerous — it’s never been studied.
Wide-Spread Detection
The scientists 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. "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.
Potential Health Risks
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. Some 113 million U.S. residents receive chloramine-treated water from their taps, according to the study.
Regulation and 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. "This study really calls into question whether or not this disinfection process is safer from a health perspective," said David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Conclusion
The discovery of chloronitramide anion in tap water raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with the chemicals used to treat drinking water. While there is no evidence to suggest that the compound is dangerous, it bears similarities to other chemicals of concern and deserves further scrutiny.
FAQs
Q: What is chloronitramide anion?
A: Chloronitramide anion is a previously unidentified chemical byproduct produced when water is treated with chloramine.
Q: How widespread is the detection of chloronitramide anion?
A: The chemical has been detected in all 40 samples in 10 U.S. chlorinated drinking water systems located in seven states.
Q: Is there evidence to suggest that chloronitramide anion is dangerous?
A: No, there is no hard evidence to suggest that the compound represents a danger, but it bears similarities to other chemicals of concern.
Q: What is the potential health risk associated with chloronitramide anion?
A: The potential health risks associated with chloronitramide anion are unknown, but it bears similarities to other chemicals of concern.
Q: What is being done to address the concerns about chloronitramide anion?
A: Researchers are actively investigating the potential health risks associated with chloronitramide anion, and the EPA is considering regulations to address the concerns.
