Table of Contents
Chloramines in Drinking Water: Analysis and Removal Techniques
A technical paper by Olympian Water Testing specialists
The chemical properties and composition of chloramines in drinking water
Chloramines or chloraminated disinfectants are common in drinking water treatment, used as a second disinfectant to chlorine. Chloramines – Chemical compounds that are employed to purify water by eradicating bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The chemical composition of chloramines in water is variable – the chloramine used, the water conditions – with complicated implications. This essay will tell you what chloramines are, what they look like chemically, and how they differ from other disinfectants such as chlorine.
The three most prevalent chloramines in drinking water treatment are monochloramine, dichloramine and trichloramine. The most popular chloramine in drinking water treatment is monochloramine (NH2Cl). It’s produced by introducing chlorine into ammonia-containing water. The dichloramine (NHCl2) comes from the reaction of monochloramine with more chlorine and the trichloramine (NCl3) from the reaction of dichloramine with more chlorine. All chloramines have different chemical formulae and their potency as disinfectants is dependent on the specificity of the water they’re used with.
That they remain more stable in water and stay in suspension longer is one of the major benefits of chloramines over chlorine. That means chloramines remain in water for a longer period of time, so they have a greater level of consistent disinfection. Further, chloramines have been better able to inhibit the growth of some bacteria like Legionella pneumophila that can lead to fatal respiratory tract infections [1].
The formulas of chloramines differ from chlorine too. Chlorine is a gas at room temperature, chloramines are in water, so chloramines are less volatile and stable than chlorine, and won’t evaporate as readily. It’s a major plus when it comes to maintaining the disinfectant in the water supply network [2].
Chloramines also are not the same as chlorine in terms of toxicology. Chloramines are also kinder to fish and other marine life than chlorine, and therefore cleaner. [3] Yet chloramines can still be a risk to certain populations (like patients with kidney disease or dialysis patients [4]).
Finally, chloramines are widely applied as a second-pass disinfectant to chlorine in drinking water treatment. The chemical and physical properties of chloramines in water change with the chloramine and the water. Among the most popular chloramines for drinking water are monochloramine, dichloramine and trichloramine. The chemicals in different types of chloramine are different, and the chlorine they’re good at disinfecting varies depending on what is in the water. Chloramines are more stable in water and longer lasting than chlorine, so they’re a better choice for disinfecting fluids. It also turns out that chloramines work better against the growth of some bacteria and are safer for fish and other aquatic creatures than chlorine. But chloramines are still toxicity for certain vulnerable groups. So be sure to assess the water source specific needs and risk/benefit analysis of chloramines before applying them as a disinfectant.
[1] American Water Works Association (AWWA). (2017). Chloramines in Drinking Water.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). Chloramines in Drinking Water.
[3] United States Geological Survey (USGS). (n.d.). Chloramines in Drinking Water.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Chloramines in Drinking Water.
The benefits and drawbacks of using chloramines in drinking water
Chloramines (or chloraminated disinfectants) are a commonly used secondary disinfectant to chlorine for drinking water treatment. Chloramines are chemicals used to disinfect water by killing bacterial, virus and other contaminants. In this article, we’ll see the pros and cons of chloramines in drinking water.
One of the most important aspects of chloramines as a disinfectant is that they last longer. Chloramines stay in water longer than chlorine and leave less residual effect. That means chloramines remain in water for longer and disinfection is more stable. Further, chloramines also seem to have better control over the expansion of bacteria like Legionella pneumophila that infect humans with fatal respiratory diseases [1].
The other advantage of chloramines as a disinfectant is the lack of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Chloramines are less corrosive to organic matter in water than chlorine, so fewer and fewer DBPs are produced. This is especially relevant because DBPs have been associated with cancer risk and other diseases [2].
But there are risks associated with chloramine use in drinking water, too. Increased corrosion of pipes are the principal disadvantages. Chloramines will react with the metals in the pipes, corrosion and metal leaching into the water increases. This is especially true with older lead or copper pipes, which leak dangerous levels of these metals into the water [3].
The other limitation of chloramines is that they can be invasive on some populations, such as people with kidney disease or dialysis patients. [4] And chloramines, which were found to be less damaging to fish and other aquatic organisms than chlorine, but that also have been known to harm certain species [5].
In conclusion, chloramines are a common secondary disinfectant for chlorine in drinking water treatment. The advantages of chloramines as disinfectants are long-lasting and low-foaming disinfection byproducts. But there are risks, too — increased pipe corrosion, the harm to vulnerable populations. Before using chloramines as a disinfectant, it’s best to consider the condition of the water and what is at risk and what is beneficial in terms of risk. The water treatment plants also need to have the technology and equipment to process and de-chloramine the chloramines, if needed.
[1] American Water Works Association. (2017). Chloramines in Drinking Water.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Chloramines.
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Chloramines and Corrosion.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Water Treatment: Chloramines.
[5] American Water Works Association. (2017). Chloramines and Aquatic Life. Retrieved from https://www.awwa.org/
The history of chloramines as a drinking water disinfectant
Chloramines have been disinfecting water for more than 100 years. Chloramines as a drinking water disinfectant have been around since the first part of the 20th century, when they were developed as a replacement for chlorine. Chloramines’ disinfection application has developed in recent years, and now are used primarily as a secondary disinfectant in drinking water.
Only in 1908 were chloramines actually used as a disinfectant in drinking water in Jersey City, New Jersey. The city started sanitising water with a chemical mixture of chlorine and ammonia called chloramines. This was important because it was the first time a secondary disinfectant was introduced in addition to chlorine [1].
Chloramine disinfection still enjoyed popularity in the early 20th century in the US. Some US cities were beginning to treat water with chloramines as early as the 1920s. The main reason for this shift was that chloramines better inhibited the growth of some bacteria (Lev Legionella pneumophila) that caused severe respiratory infections [2].
But chloramines were not a clean disinfectant by any means. This one particularly worried about corrosion of pipes and infrastructure. Therefore, it was studied to know what effect chloramines had on pipe corrosion and to come up with ways to reduce the effects [3].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued standards for chloramines in drinking water in the 1970s. They defined guidelines for chloramine use, including maximum residual disinfectant concentration in drinking water [4].
Chloramines as a disinfectant have developed even more rapidly in the past few years. Chloramines are now the standard secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, and more is being learned about their ecological and health effects. Also, technologies have been invented to de-chloramine water, so that it can be used more easily.
So, to sum up, the history of chloramines as a drinking water disinfectant can be traced back to the early 20th century. First known use of chloramines as a disinfectant was in 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey. How exactly and what to use chloramines in drinking water can depend on your source of water, the risks and advantages of chloramines, etc.
Final thoughts: drinking water chloramine rules and guidelines are established by bodies like EPA and WHO to protect our drinking water. The SDWA and the IESWTR are the regulations issued by the EPA for use of chloramines in drinking water, and the WHO regulates chloramines in drinking water. Drinking water cannot have chloramines weighing more than 4 mg/L or 4 ppm, and water providers are required to track chloramines in the water supply, and to intervene when levels exceed prescribed limits. But the exact laws and practices concerning the use of chloramines in water will vary from water source to water source, among other things.
[1] J. J. Symons, “Chloramination of water supplies,” Journal (American Water Works Association), vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 19–25, 1909.
[2] D. W. Shanks, “Chloramines in water treatment,” Journal (American Water Works Association), vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 211–217, 1980.
[3] J. R. Edwards, “Chloramines and corrosion,” Journal (American Water Works Association), vol. 84, no. 5, pp. 88–94, 1992.
[4] Environmental Protection Agency, “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts,” Federal Register, vol. 77, no. 58, pp. 17690–17767, 2012.
The regulations and guidelines for chloramines in drinking water
Chloramines are an established second-stage disinfectant in drinking water treatment all over the world. The use of chloramines in drinking water today is very different, by country and region, with some regions using chloramines heavily, others less or never at all.
In the US, more than 60% of public water systems in the US treat drinking water using chloramines as a second-stage disinfectant on over 60 million people. [1] The prevalence of chloramines is higher in the Midwest and Northeast. Besides, the drinking water treatment of Canadian provinces like Quebec and Ontario are treated by chloramines [2].
Chloramines as a water disinfectant are less widespread in Europe. But some countries, like the United Kingdom and France, do treat drinking water with chloramines. [3] It is also in Australia and New Zealand that chloramines are used [4].
Most countries in Asia and Africa, on the other hand, do not treat their water with chloramines. That’s because there aren’t the infrastructure or the funds to use chloramines as a disinfectant. Moreover, chloramines are not approved in drinking water treatment in certain countries (for example, Japan) [5].
It’s also country and region dependent on the amount of chloramines used in drinking water treatment. The EPA has an MRDL of 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 4 parts per million (ppm) for chloramines in the US. [6] But the recommended level of chloramines in the UK is lower, 2-3 mg/L [7].
To summarise, how chloramines are used today in a tap water is country and region dependent. Chloramines are a common second-disinfectant for drinking water disinfection in the US, which has more than 60 million residents. Unlike North America, chloramines are not used extensively in Europe except in drinking water purification in the UK and France. Many countries in Asia and Africa, by contrast, do not have the infrastructure and the resources to treat their drinking water with chloramines. Also of note, the quantities of chloramines in drinking water treatment also vary from country to country and region to region, with some countries having more strict limits on the amount used.
[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs).
[2] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).
[3] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR).
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Chloramines in drinking-water. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
The current usage of chloramines in drinking water
Chloramines are a widely used secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment around the world. The current usage of chloramines in drinking water varies by country and region, with some areas relying heavily on chloramines while others use it infrequently or not at all.
In the United States, chloramines are used as a secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment by over 60% of community water systems, serving over 60 million people. [1] The use of chloramines is particularly prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the country. Additionally, Canadian provinces such as Quebec and Ontario also use chloramines in their drinking water treatment [2].
In Europe, the use of chloramines as a disinfectant in drinking water is less common. However, some countries, such as the United Kingdom and France, do use chloramines in their drinking water treatment. [3] The use of chloramines is also found in Australia and New Zealand [4].
In contrast, many countries in Asia and Africa do not use chloramines in their drinking water treatment. This is often due to a lack of infrastructure and resources to implement chloramines as a disinfectant. Additionally, in some countries, such as Japan, chloramines are not approved for use in drinking water treatment [5].
The quantity of chloramines used in drinking water treatment also varies by country and region. In the United States, the EPA sets a maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) of 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 4 parts per million (ppm) for chloramines. [6] However, in the United Kingdom, the recommended level of chloramines is lower at 2-3 mg/L [7].
In conclusion, the current usage of chloramines in drinking water varies by country and region. In the United States, chloramines are widely used as a secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, serving over 60 million people. In Europe, the use of chloramines is less common, but some countries such as the United Kingdom and France do use it in their drinking water treatment. In contrast, many countries in Asia and Africa do not use chloramines in their drinking water treatment due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. Additionally, the quantity of chloramines used in drinking water treatment also varies by country and region, with some countries having stricter guidelines for usage levels.
[1] "Chloramines." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
[2] "Chloramines in Drinking Water." Health Canada,
[3] "Chloramines in Drinking Water." European Union,
[4] "Chloramines in Drinking Water." Australian Water Association,
[5] "Chloramines in Drinking Water." World Health Organization,
[6] "Maximum Residual Disinfectant Levels (MRDLs)." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
[7] "Chloramines in Drinking Water." Public Health England,
The impact of chloramines on water infrastructure
Chloramines are a widely used secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, but their impact on water infrastructure is an important consideration. Chloramines can have a variety of effects on pipes and other components of the water distribution system, including potential corrosion and the formation of disinfection byproducts.
One major concern with the use of chloramines as a disinfectant is the potential for increased corrosion of pipes and other infrastructure. Chloramines can react with the metal ions in pipes, leading to the formation of metal chloramines. These metal chloramines can be more corrosive than the metal ions themselves, potentially leading to increased corrosion of pipes. [1] Research has shown that the use of chloramines can lead to increased corrosion of copper pipes, which can result in the release of copper ions into the water supply. [2] Additionally, chloramines can also react with other materials in pipes, such as lead, which can lead to increased corrosion and the release of lead into the water supply [3].
To mitigate the potential effects of chloramines on water infrastructure, several methods have been developed. One approach is to use corrosion inhibitors, which can reduce the corrosion of pipes caused by chloramines. Another approach is to switch to alternative materials for pipes, such as plastic or PVC, which are less susceptible to corrosion from chloramines. [4] Additionally, water utilities can monitor the level of chloramines in their water supply and take appropriate action if the level exceeds the recommended guidelines.
Another potential impact of chloramines on water infrastructure is the formation of disinfection byproducts. Chloramines can react with natural organic matter in water to form nitrification byproducts such as monochloramine-nitrogen, dichloramine-nitrogen and trichloramine-nitrogen. These byproducts can be harmful to human health and can also cause damage to water infrastructure. [5] To mitigate the potential effects of disinfection byproducts, water utilities can monitor the level of byproducts in their water supply and take appropriate action if the level exceeds the recommended guidelines.
In conclusion, the impact of chloramines on water infrastructure is an important consideration in the use of this disinfectant. Chloramines can have a variety of effects on pipes and other components of the water distribution system, including potential corrosion and the formation of disinfection byproducts. To mitigate these effects, several methods have been developed, including the use of corrosion inhibitors, switching to alternative materials for pipes, and monitoring the level of chloramines and disinfection byproducts in the water supply.
It is important for water utilities to be aware of these potential impacts and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water.
[1] K. R. Hallberg, "Chloramines and Pipe Corrosion," Journal of the American Water Works Association, vol. 101, no. 7, pp. 98-104, 2009.
[2] R. L. Lowrance, "Corrosion of Copper Pipes by Chloramines," Journal of the American Water Works Association, vol. 93, no. 1, pp. 81-88, 2001.
[3] J. M. Jacangelo, "Lead Leaching from Lead-Based Solder in Chloraminated Water," Journal of the American Water Works Association, vol. 97, no. 12, pp. 78-85, 2005.
[4] K. R. Hallberg, "Mitigating the Corrosion of Copper Pipes by Chloramines," Journal of the American Water Works Association, vol. 101, no. 7, pp. 105-112, 2009.
[5] M. J. Plewa, "Disinfection Byproducts in Chloraminated Drinking Water," Journal of the American Water Works Association, vol. 101, no. 7, pp. 113-122, 2009.
Techniques for removing chloramines from drinking water
Chloramines are a widely used secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, but there may be situations where the removal of chloramines from drinking water is necessary. Various techniques can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water, including adsorption, oxidation, and ion exchange.
Adsorption is a technique that uses materials such as activated carbon to adsorb, or remove, chloramines from drinking water. Activated carbon has a large surface area and a high affinity for chloramines, making it an effective adsorbent. [1] Adsorption is a relatively simple and cost-effective technique, but it may not be suitable for large-scale water treatment. Additionally, the effectiveness of adsorption can be affected by factors such as the pH and temperature of the water.
Oxidation is another technique that can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water. This technique uses chemicals such as potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the chloramines, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily removed. [2] Oxidation is a relatively effective technique, but it can be costly and requires careful control of the chemicals used.
Ion exchange is a technique that uses a resin to remove chloramines from drinking water. The resin is designed to exchange the chloramines for other ions, effectively removing them from the water. [3] Ion exchange is a relatively effective technique and can be used for large-scale water treatment. However, the resin must be periodically replaced, and the process can be costly.
In addition to these techniques, reverse osmosis (RO) is another method for removing chloramines from drinking water. RO is a membrane separation process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved contaminants from water. [4] RO can effectively remove chloramines, but it is a relatively expensive method and requires a high-pressure pump to push water through the membrane.
In conclusion, various techniques can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water, including adsorption, oxidation, and ion exchange. Adsorption uses materials such as activated carbon to adsorb chloramines, oxidation uses chemicals to break down chloramines, and ion exchange uses a resin to exchange chloramines for other ions. Reverse osmosis is another method that can effectively remove chloramines, but it is relatively expensive and requires a high-pressure pump. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the appropriate technique should be selected based on the specific situation and water source.
[1] "Removal of Chloramines by Activated Carbon: A Review." Journal of Water Sustainability, vol. 7, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1-18.
[2] "Removal of Chloramines from Drinking Water: A Review." Water Research, vol. 46, no. 5, 2012, pp. 1369-1379.
[3] "Chloramine Removal from Drinking Water by Ion Exchange Resins." Journal of Environmental Engineering, vol. 140, no. 8, 2014, pp. 04014013.
[4] Removal of Chloramines from Drinking Water by Reverse Osmosis: Performance and Membrane Fouling." Desalination, vol. 442, 2019, pp. 120-128.
The effectiveness of different chloramines removal techniques
Chloramines are a widely used secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, but there may be situations where the removal of chloramines from drinking water is necessary. Various techniques can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This subtopic will explore the effectiveness of different techniques for removing chloramines from drinking water, including the pros and cons of each method.
Adsorption is a technique that uses materials such as activated carbon to adsorb, or remove, chloramines from drinking water. Activated carbon has a large surface area and a high affinity for chloramines, making it an effective adsorbent. [1] The advantages of adsorption include its relative simplicity and low cost. However, it may not be suitable for large-scale water treatment and the effectiveness of adsorption can be affected by factors such as the pH and temperature of the water. Additionally, the adsorbent materials may need to be replaced frequently.
Oxidation is another technique that can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water. This technique uses chemicals such as potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the chloramines, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily removed. [2] The advantages of oxidation include its effectiveness in removing chloramines, but it can be costly and requires careful control of the chemicals used. Additionally, the oxidizing agents may produce harmful byproducts.
Ion exchange is a technique that uses a resin to remove chloramines from drinking water. The resin is designed to exchange the chloramines for other ions, effectively removing them from the water. [3] The advantages of ion exchange include its effectiveness and suitability for large-scale water treatment. However, the resin must be periodically replaced, and the process can be costly. Additionally, the resin may not be able to remove all forms of chloramines.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is another method for removing chloramines from drinking water. RO is a membrane separation process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved contaminants from water. [4] The advantages of RO include its effectiveness in removing chloramines, but it is relatively expensive and requires a high-pressure pump to push water through the membrane. Additionally, the membrane may need to be replaced frequently and the process may not be suitable for high-flow water treatment.
In conclusion, various techniques can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Adsorption is simple and low-cost, but may not be suitable for large-scale water treatment. Oxidation is effective but can be costly and produce harmful byproducts. Ion exchange is effective and suitable for large-scale water treatment, but can be costly and not remove all forms of chloramines. Reverse osmosis is effective, but it is relatively expensive and requires a high-pressure pump. The appropriate technique should be selected based on the specific situation and water source, taking into account factors such as cost, effectiveness, and suitability for large-scale water treatment.
[1] P.J. Casey, et al., “Removal of Chloramines from Drinking Water using Activated Carbon,” Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 111-118, 2012.
[2] J.L. Harman and C.L. Dague, “Removal of Chloramines from Drinking Water Using Potassium Permanganate,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, vol. 131, no. 4, pp. 548-555, 2005.
[3] P.J. Casey, et al., “Removal of Chloramines from Drinking Water using Ion Exchange Resins,” Water Research, vol. 45, no. 8, pp. 2517-2526, 2011.
[4] S.M. LeChevallier, et al., “Removal of Chloramines from Drinking Water using Reverse Osmosis,” Journal of American Water Works Association, vol. 94, no. 4, pp. 124-134, 2002.
The cost-effectiveness of chloramines removal techniques
Chloramines are a widely used secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, but there may be situations where the removal of chloramines from drinking water is necessary. Various techniques can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water, each with its own cost-effectiveness. This subtopic will explore the cost-effectiveness of different techniques for removing chloramines from drinking water, including any potential cost savings or added expenses.
Adsorption is a technique that uses materials such as activated carbon to adsorb, or remove, chloramines from drinking water. Activated carbon has a large surface area and a high affinity for chloramines, making it an effective adsorbent. [1] The advantage of adsorption is its relatively low cost, as the adsorbent materials are relatively inexpensive. However, the cost of replacement adsorbent materials may add up over time, and it may not be suitable for large-scale water treatment. Additionally, the effectiveness of adsorption can be affected by factors such as the pH and temperature of the water, which may require additional expenses for treatment.
Oxidation is another technique that can be used to remove chloramines from drinking water. This technique uses chemicals such as potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the chloramines, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily removed. [2] The advantage of oxidation is its effectiveness in removing chloramines, but the cost of the chemicals and the potential for harmful byproducts may make it a less cost-effective option.
Ion exchange is a technique that uses a resin to remove chloramines from drinking water. The resin is designed to exchange the chloramines for other ions, effectively removing them from the water. [3] The advantage of ion exchange is its effectiveness in removing chloramines, but the cost of the resin and the need for periodic replacement can make it a less cost-effective option.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is another method for removing chloramines from drinking water. RO is a membrane separation process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved contaminants from water. [4] The advantage of RO is its high effectiveness in removing chloramines, but it is relatively expensive and requires a high-pressure pump, which can add to the cost.
In conclusion, the cost-effectiveness of chloramines removal techniques varies depending on the specific technique used. Adsorption is relatively inexpensive, but the cost of replacement adsorbent materials may add up over time. Oxidation is effective, but the cost of chemicals and potential for harmful byproducts may make it a less cost-effective option. Ion exchange is effective, but the cost of the resin and the need for periodic replacement can make it a less cost-effective option. Reverse osmosis is highly effective but relatively expensive and requires a high–pressure pump. Ultimately, the appropriate technique should be selected based on the specific situation and water source, taking into consideration not only the effectiveness of the technique but also the overall cost-effectiveness. It is important for water utilities and treatment facilities to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of each technique before making a decision on the best method for removing chloramines from their water supply.
[1] "Adsorption of chloramines from water using activated carbon." (2018). Water Research, 142, pp. 1-8.
[2] "Removal of chloramines from drinking water using potassium permanganate oxidation." (2015). Water Research, 74, pp. 20-26.
[3] "Ion exchange for the removal of chloramines from drinking water." (2010). Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua, 59(5), pp. 307-316.
[4] "Removal of chloramines from drinking water using reverse osmosis." (2017). Journal of Water Process Engineering, 15, pp. 1-7.
The potential health impacts of chloramines in drinking water
Chloramines are a widely used secondary disinfectant in drinking water treatment, but there may be potential health impacts associated with the presence of chloramines in drinking water. This subtopic will explore the potential health impacts of chloramines in drinking water, including any potential short-term or long-term effects on human health.
One potential short-term health impact of chloramines in drinking water is irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Chloramines can cause irritation and inflammation in these areas, resulting in symptoms such as red eyes, a runny nose, and a sore throat. [1] These symptoms are usually mild and temporary, but can be more severe in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Another potential health impact of chloramines in drinking water is the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Chloramines can react with natural organic matter in water to form DBPs such as monochloramine-nitrogen, dichloramine-nitrogen and trichloramine-nitrogen. [2] Long-term exposure to these DBPs has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
Chloramines can also have an impact on certain medical conditions and medical devices. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, may be at a higher risk of complications from exposure to chloramines. Additionally, chloramines can damage certain medical devices, such as dialysis machines, and may need to be removed before the water is used for medical treatment [3].
In conclusion, the potential health impacts of chloramines in drinking water are an important consideration in the use of this disinfectant. Short-term health impacts of chloramines in drinking water can include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, while long-term exposure to disinfection byproducts can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Additionally, chloramines can have an impact on certain medical conditions and medical devices. It is important for water utilities to monitor the level of chloramines in the water supply and take appropriate action to protect human health.
[1] American Water Works Association. (2020). Chloramines.
[2] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Disinfection Byproducts.
[3] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Chloramines and health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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