A recent study has revealed the presence of a previously unidentified chemical byproduct in the drinking water of millions of Americans, raising concerns about potential health risks. The compound, chloronitramide anion, has been detected in water systems across the United States that use chloramines as a disinfectant. While its toxicity is not yet confirmed, its similarities to known harmful chemicals have prompted calls for immediate investigation.
The Mystery Compound
Chloronitramide anion is a byproduct formed during the decomposition of chloramines, a widely used water disinfectant made by combining chlorine and ammonia. Researchers discovered the compound in 40 water samples from 10 U.S. drinking water systems spanning seven states, all of which relied on chloramine treatment. The chemical was absent in ultrapure water or systems treated with non-chlorine disinfectants.
First identified as a mysterious byproduct decades ago, the compound remained uncharacterized until now due to limitations in analytical techniques. “It has similarities to other toxic molecules,” explained David Wahman, one of the study’s authors and an environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This discovery is significant because chloronitramide anion was found at levels as high as 100 micrograms per liter (μg/L), surpassing regulatory limits for many known disinfection byproducts.
Health Implications and Safety Concerns
Though chloronitramide anion’s toxicity has not been tested, its prevalence and chemical properties suggest potential risks. “We don’t know the toxicity, but this study has enabled us to be able to do that work now,” said Julian Fairey, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the University of Arkansas. The compound’s small size and reactivity raise concerns that it could penetrate biological systems, potentially causing harm.
David Reckhow, a civil and environmental engineering professor not involved in the study, warned that such molecules are often capable of entering cells, making them a potential health hazard. Chloramines, favored for producing fewer known carcinogenic byproducts than chlorine, are now under scrutiny for generating poorly understood compounds like chloronitramide anion.
What’s Next for U.S. Drinking Water?
The discovery has sparked renewed discussions about the long-term safety of water disinfection methods. Chloramines are used in nearly one-third of U.S. water systems, serving about 113 million people. While effective at reducing waterborne illnesses, their byproducts’ impacts on human health remain underexplored. “Regardless of whether chloronitramide anion is found to be toxic or not, its discovery warrants a moment of reflection,” wrote civil engineering professor Daniel McCurry in a commentary accompanying the study.
For concerned residents, using activated carbon filters, like those found in Brita systems, may help reduce exposure to this chemical. Meanwhile, researchers are calling for further studies to determine chloronitramide anion’s toxicological effects and prevalence in water supplies nationwide. This investigation marks a critical step toward ensuring the safety of America’s drinking water.
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