New Chemical Found in Drinking Water: Potential Health Risks for 113 Million Americans

New Chemical Found in Tap Water Raises Health Concerns

New Chemical Found in Drinking Water A recent study has identified a previously unknown chemical byproduct in drinking water, potentially affecting around a third of U.S. households. The chemical, named chloronitramide anion, forms as a result of water treatment with chloramine—a disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia used to kill bacteria and viruses.

This discovery, published in Science, highlights that while the byproduct has been present in water systems for decades, it was only recently identified due to advancements in analytical techniques. Researchers have found no definitive evidence of danger but are concerned because the chemical shares structural similarities with known toxins.

Key findings include:

• Widespread presence: Chloronitramide anion was detected in samples from 10 chloramine-treated water systems across seven U.S. states, covering approximately 113 million people.

• Unknown risks: While its toxicity remains unstudied, scientists suspect it could pose health risks due to its small size, reactivity, and potential to enter biological systems.

• Historical context: Chloramine has been used for nearly a century to disinfect water and has become more common than chlorine, which produces regulated byproducts linked to bladder cancer.

New Chemical Found in Drinking Water Researchers stress the need for further toxicological studies to determine the chemical’s impact on human health. This process could take years and involve significant funding. Some experts worry the byproduct may contribute to unexplained health outcomes, such as increased cancer rates linked to treated water, though no direct connections have been made yet. In the meantime, water utilities are advised to monitor research developments and minimize public exposure where possible.

Disinfectants like chloramine are vital for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. However, they can create byproducts with potential health risks, prompting debates about balancing safety with effective water treatment.

Water providers disclose their treatment methods online, and many use chloramine due to its stability and efficacy. Activated carbon filters, commonly found in home purification systems, may help reduce exposure to such byproducts, though more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

The study underscores the importance of ongoing scrutiny of water treatment processes and their byproducts, as well as the need for proactive research to protect public health.

New Chemical Found in Drinking Water For decades, researchers have observed an unidentified compound in treated drinking water consumed by millions in the U.S. Now, a new study published in Science reveals the compound as chloronitramide anion, a byproduct formed when water is treated with chloramine—a common disinfectant created by mixing chlorine and ammonia. Approximately 113 million Americans may be exposed to this substance through their tap water.

While its potential health risks are unclear, the compound shares similarities with other regulated toxic substances. Scientists emphasize that its toxicity has yet to be studied, but its structural properties warrant further investigation.

Chloramine and Water Treatment

Chloramine has been widely used in water treatment since the early 20th century as an alternative to chlorine, which can create byproducts linked to increased risks of colon and bladder cancer as well as miscarriages. Chloramine, considered more stable and producing fewer toxic byproducts than chlorine, has become a popular choice for disinfection.

However, scientists have noted that chloramine generates its own byproducts, including chloronitramide anion, which has remained unidentified for over 40 years.

Unveiling the Mystery

The study authors, Dr. Julian Fairey and Dr. David Wahman, spent 15 years working to isolate and identify the compound. They collaborated with mass spectrometry expert Dr. Juliana Laszakovits, who utilized advanced ion chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques to separate and analyze the compound. Dr. Kristopher McNeill later confirmed its chemical structure.

The researchers verified that chloronitramide anion forms as chloramine decomposes over time. They found it in chloramine-treated water systems across the U.S. but not in untreated systems, such as those in Switzerland.

Unknown Health Impacts

Despite the progress in identifying the compound, its effects on human health remain uncertain. Dr. Fairey notes that chloronitramide anion is likely present in all chlorinated drinking water to some degree. While some experts express concerns about its potential toxicity, others, like Professor Oliver Jones of RMIT University, emphasize that its presence does not automatically indicate harm.

Jones points out that toxicity depends on exposure levels, adding, “I think the answer is probably not” harmful at current concentrations.

Future Research and Concerns

The study underscores the need for toxicological research to determine whether the compound poses health risks. Dr. David Sedlak of UC Berkeley highlights that federal funding will be essential to investigate these potential impacts, given the high costs involved.

Meanwhile, local water systems lack the resources to conduct such studies, leaving the responsibility to federal agencies like the EPA and CDC.

Minimizing Exposure

For those concerned about their tap water, the researchers suggest using activated carbon filters, such as Brita or refrigerator filters, which may help reduce exposure to chloronitramide anion.

While the findings open the door for further investigation, experts remind the public that disinfection processes like chloramination have played a critical role in eradicating waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Balancing effective water treatment with potential health risks remains a complex challenge.

New Chemical Found in Drinking Water New research published in Science has revealed that inorganic chloramines, widely used to disinfect drinking water, produce a byproduct with potential health risks. The findings have prompted calls for urgent investigation into its impact on human health.

Chloramines have been increasingly adopted over the past few decades as a safer alternative to chlorine, which is associated with harmful byproducts linked to bladder and colon cancer, low birth weight, and miscarriages. Today, over 113 million Americans, along with millions in Canada, Asia, and Europe, consume chloraminated drinking water.

According to lead researcher Julian Fairey, while chloramines are effective at neutralizing pathogens, they also decompose into poorly understood byproducts. One such byproduct, known for over 40 years but previously unidentified, has now been identified as “chloronitramide anion.”

The study employed advanced techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to isolate and confirm the compound’s identity. Tests detected chloronitramide anion in all 40 water samples from chloraminated systems, with concentrations as high as 100 micrograms per liter—higher than regulatory limits for similar byproducts, which typically range between 60 and 80 micrograms per liter.

Although no toxicological studies have been conducted yet, the researchers are concerned about the compound’s chemical structure and the concentrations at which it appears. Fairey emphasized the need for immediate studies to understand its health implications, recommending that chloronitramide anion be prioritized for monitoring in public water systems.

Fairey also suggested that utilities consider reverting to chlorine, though doing so would require additional disinfectants to counteract chlorine’s own toxic byproducts.

In the meantime, researchers recommend home filtration systems with activated carbon blocks for individuals seeking to minimize potential exposure. Further study and regulatory measures are expected to take years to implement.