A groundbreaking study by a Swiss-American research team has identified a potentially toxic compound in US drinking water systems. This compound, known as the chloronitramide anion, is a byproduct of inorganic chloramines, chemicals used in several countries to disinfect water and protect public health against diseases like cholera and typhoid.
According to federal technology institute ETH Zurich, over 113 million people in the United States consume chloraminated water. While the chloronitramide anion’s toxicity is not yet fully understood, its structural similarity to other harmful compounds has raised significant concerns. Researchers have called for further studies to assess its potential risks to public health.
Why This Discovery Matters
Chloramination is a common water treatment process in the United States, as well as in countries like Italy, France, and Canada. Though effective in disease prevention, it has been recognized that disinfecting drinking water can lead to the formation of toxic byproducts. Chronic exposure to such byproducts may increase the risk of diseases, including cancer, over decades.
“It’s well recognized that when we disinfect drinking water, there is some toxicity that’s created. Chronic toxicity, really. A certain number of people may get cancer from drinking water over several decades. But we haven’t identified what chemicals are driving that toxicity,” said Julian Fairey, a professor at the University of Arkansas.
The study, published in the prestigious journal Science, focused on chloraminated water systems in the US. Notably, Switzerland does not practice chloramination, and therefore, no chloronitramide anion is present in its waters. “Chloraminated drinking water is widespread in North America, but chloramination is not really practiced in Switzerland,” confirmed co-author Juliana Laszakovits.
Global Implications and Next Steps
While the study highlights risks specific to chloraminated water systems, the implications are far-reaching for countries using similar water treatment methods. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for further analysis to determine the health impact of the chloronitramide anion and whether it poses significant risks to populations relying on chloraminated drinking water.
The discovery underscores the delicate balance between ensuring clean drinking water and minimizing long-term health risks associated with disinfection byproducts. Continued research is essential to safeguard public health while maintaining effective water treatment practices.
