A previously unidentified chemical has been found in the tap water of about one-third of homes in the United States, a new study has found, and scientists are actively investigating whether it is toxic.
The chemical, called chloronitramide anion, is “produced when water is treated with chloramine, a chemical formed by mixing chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is used in municipal water treatment systems to remove viruses and It is often used to kill germs,” NBC News reported.
About 40 years ago, researchers noticed that water treated with chloramines produced a chemical byproduct, but only through new tests could they pinpoint exactly what it was. did.
The chlornitramide anion has never been studied before, so it may take years before scientists can understand whether it is dangerous to ingest it. This study was published to draw attention to potential safety concerns and encourage further research.
Although there is currently no conclusive evidence to suggest that chlornitramide anions are harmful to health, there are some similarities with other “toxic molecules,” said study author and Environmental Protection Agency research environmental engineer. Dr. David Warman told NBC News. .
One reason for concern about the potential toxicity of this chemical is that it appears to be widespread in drinking water in the United States.
“We looked for this substance in 40 samples of 10 chlorinated drinking water systems in seven states in the United States. We found it in every sample,” Wurman said.
He added that all water treated with chloramines, which the approximately 113 million U.S. residents consume from their taps, likely contains the substance.
The study also calls attention to the potential health effects of using certain chemicals, not just chloramines, to treat tap water. Some studies have linked disinfected drinking water to an increased incidence of certain types of cancer.
“We don’t know what’s causing these. We don’t know if this compound is somehow related to those outcomes,” said study lead author Julian Fairley, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas. told NBC News. “However, there have been unexplained incidents of certain types of cancer developing from treated drinking water.”
But treating drinking water with chemicals reduces the presence of dangerous bacteria, especially those that cause cholera and typhoid fever, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the State Drinking Water Administrators Association.
“The reason we add chloramines is to kill bacteria and viruses, and there’s really a risk-risk trade-off,” he explained.
So, is tap water safe to drink? Is it time to invest in a water filter? Here’s what you need to know.
Do I need a water filter?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing your home’s tap water for harmful bacteria and chemicals. Next, you can purchase water filters that are specifically designed to remove what is found in your water.
If your water does not contain harmful bacteria or chemicals, you may choose not to use a filter. The CDC also points out that most household filters, like those found in refrigerators and pitchers, do not remove bacteria and usually only remove heavy metals to make water taste better.
If you draw water from a well or rain, it should be regularly tested for the presence of harmful bacteria and chemicals. For people who use water from public systems, the utility company must submit a water safety report every year.
Before purchasing a water filter, check the NSF International Certification to ensure the product works, and consult the NSF International Database to see what types of bacteria and chemicals the filter is certified to remove. please confirm.
You can check your utility company’s website to see if chlorine or chloramine is used when it comes to chloronitraamide anion, a chemical identified in a recent study. Activated carbon filters, which are used in many refrigerator and pitcher filters, could remove byproducts of chemicals used to disinfect tap water, but more research is needed, Wurman said. .
This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Today’s continuation:
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