Scientists Identify Potentially Toxic Chemical Found in U.S. Drinking Water

Scientists Identify Potentially Toxic Chemical Found in U.S. Drinking Water

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A recent discovery has identified a chemical byproduct present in U.S. tap water treated with chloramine, raising questions about water safety and public health. This compound, known as chloronitramide anion, has eluded identification for decades.

Researchers have only now been able to determine its structure using advanced scientific techniques. While its toxicity remains untested, scientists emphasize the importance of further investigation into its potential risks.

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Chloronitramide anion is a newly identified byproduct in U.S. drinking water.

 

What Is Chloronitramide Anion?

Chloronitramide anion is a byproduct of the decomposition of chloramine, a disinfectant used by many U.S. municipalities to treat drinking water. Approximately one-third of the U.S. population—around 113 million people—receives chloramine-treated tap water. This disinfectant is favored over chlorine because it produces fewer regulated byproducts, such as those linked to cancer and miscarriages. However, chloramine decomposition can lead to the formation of previously unidentified substances, including chloronitramide anion, as reported by CBS News.

The compound, consisting of one chlorine atom, two nitrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, was detected in 40 drinking water samples from 10 U.S. systems, according to NBC News. While it is not found in ultrapure water, it is prevalent in systems using chloramine for disinfection.

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Chloramine, a common disinfectant, decomposes to form chloronitramide anion.

 

Potential Toxicity Remains Unknown

Scientists do not yet know if chloronitramide anion is toxic, though its structure bears similarities to other harmful compounds. David Wahman, a researcher at the Environmental Protection Agency, told NBC News that these similarities warrant further toxicological evaluation. Study lead author Julian Fairey emphasized during a press briefing that identifying the compound is only the first step toward assessing its health implications.

Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor not involved in the study, noted that toxicity depends on exposure levels.

“Everything is toxic at the right amount, even water,” Jones told Futurism. The concern lies in whether this byproduct is harmful at the concentrations found in drinking water.

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Over 113 million Americans consume water containing this unregulated chemical.

Regulatory and Public Health Implications

The discovery raises questions about the long-term safety of chloramine as a disinfectant. Daniel McCurry, a civil engineering professor, told The Washington Post that the presence of chloronitramide anion should prompt reflection among water treatment professionals. While disinfection is critical for preventing waterborne diseases, byproducts like chloronitramide anion introduce uncertainties.

Activated carbon filters may help reduce exposure to such byproducts. Fairey suggested that carbon-based filtration systems, like those found in popular water pitchers, could effectively remove chloronitramide anion from tap water. However, this approach does not address the root issue of byproduct formation during water treatment.

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No toxicological studies have been conducted on chloronitramide anion.

 

A Call for Further Research

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates a limited number of disinfection byproducts. Whether chloronitramide anion will join this list depends on its potential health risks, which could take years to determine. As David Reckhow of the University of Massachusetts told NBC News, assessing the compound’s hazards and developing appropriate regulations will require extensive research.

Chloronitramide anion is not the first drinking water byproduct to raise concerns. Previous studies have linked disinfection byproducts to cancers and miscarriages. While scientists acknowledge the benefits of chloramine over chlorine, they stress that reducing exposure to harmful byproducts should remain a priority.

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Chloronitramide anion remains unregulated by the EPA.

 

Balancing Safety and Disinfection

Disinfecting water is essential for public health, but it comes with trade-offs. Chloramine and chlorine both leave residual chemicals in treated water to prevent recontamination. Alternative methods, such as UV light or ozone, eliminate many byproducts but lack this residual effect, making them less effective for current U.S. regulations.

Until more is known about chloronitramide anion, experts advise consumers to stay informed about their local water systems. Testing and filtration can provide additional peace of mind, though the ultimate responsibility lies with utilities and regulatory agencies to ensure safe drinking water.

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Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

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