Unidentified Chemical Found in Tap Water of One-Third of U.S. Homes
A previously unidentified chemical has been discovered in the tap water of about one-third of U.S. homes, a new study has found, and scientists are actively investigating whether it’s toxic.
What is the Chemical?
The chemical, called chloronitramide anion, forms 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.
History of the Chemical
About 40 years ago, researchers became aware of a chemical byproduct from water being treated with chloramine, but only with new testing have researchers been able to identify exactly what it is.
Potential Health Concerns
Chloronitramide anion has never been studied before, so it may be years before scientists are able to understand whether it’s dangerous to consume. While there is currently no conclusive evidence to suggest chloronitramide anion is harmful to health, it has some resemblances to other "toxic molecules."
Widespread Presence
Part of the reason for the concern over the chemical’s potential toxicity is that it appears to be widespread in U.S. drinking water. "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," said David Wahman, Ph.D., study author and research environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Potential Health Impact
The study also calls attention to the possible health impact of using certain chemicals to treat tap water, not just chloramine. Some research has linked disinfected drinking water with increased rates of certain types of cancers.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend testing your home’s tap water for the presence of harmful germs or chemicals. Then you can purchase a water filter designed to remove what you found specifically in your water.
Additional Tips
- If your water does not have any harmful germs or chemicals, you may decide not to use a filter.
- Most home filters, like those in your fridge or in a pitcher, do not remove germs and typically only remove heavy metals and make the water taste better.
- If you get your water from a well or rain, you should test it regularly for the presence of harmful germs or chemicals.
- Before purchasing a water filter, check for an NSF International certification to make sure the product works and the NSF International database to see what types of germs and chemicals your filter is certified to remove.
Conclusion
The discovery of chloronitramide anion in tap water highlights the need for further research into the potential health impacts of chemicals used to treat drinking water. While there is currently no conclusive evidence to suggest chloronitramide anion is harmful to health, it is essential to take steps to ensure the safety of our drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is tap water safe to drink?
A: While there is currently no conclusive evidence to suggest chloronitramide anion is harmful to health, it is essential to take steps to ensure the safety of our drinking water.
Q: Do I need a water filter?
A: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend testing your home’s tap water for the presence of harmful germs or chemicals. Then you can purchase a water filter designed to remove what you found specifically in your water.
Q: How do I know if my water filter is effective?
A: Before purchasing a water filter, check for an NSF International certification to make sure the product works and the NSF International database to see what types of germs and chemicals your filter is certified to remove.
