What Are Trihalomethanes (THMs)
Disinfection By-Products
Disinfection-By-Products, or DBPs, are contaminants (some of them cancer-causing) that are left behind by the very
chemical (chlorine) that utility authorities use to disinfect and make their water potable.
About 15 years ago, scientific testing identified chlorine as a potential health hazard, but it is not chlorine
per se that is dangerous.
Scientists discovered that chlorine reacted with organic materials in water, such as decaying leaves, to produce
hundreds of chemical by-products, several of which have been proven to be carcinogenic. Other by-products may
cause adverse effects on the liver, nervous system and reproductive systems.
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Trihalomethanes
Trihalomethanes, or THMs, make up the bulk of DPBs. Studies done in the US have associated trihalomethanes with
increased risk of bladder and rectal cancer.
According to a study done by the American Water Works Association, more than 230 million people (approximately 90% of the US
population) received disinfected drinking water containing hundreds of DBPs. Given the large number of people who consume
chlorinated drinking water, the number of cases of cancer potentially attributable to this exposure is substantial.
Since a large percentage of the DBPs are developed after leaving the water treatment plant, our only viable course
of action is to filter our drinking water at the point-of-use.
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