Scientists Concerned About Unknown Levels of Toxicity in Chemical Common in U.S. Drinking Water

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of running tap water.Photo:Getty

Getty

Scientists aren’t sure whether a chemical that’s commonly found in Americanmunicipal water systemsis toxic.

But its impact on humans is unknown — and concerning — since “it has similarity to other toxic molecules,” study author David Wahman, a research environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency, told NBC.

Stock image of tap water.Getty

“We looked for it in 40 samples in 10 U.S. chlorinateddrinking water systemslocated in seven states. We did find it in all the samples.”

As the study says, chloronitramide anion could be in the water of up to a third of U.S. homes, since 113 million homes receive water that’s been treated with chloramine.

The study’s lead author, Julian Fairey, told NBC, “We don’t know the toxicity, but this study has enabled us to be able to do that work now.”

Stock image of an urban wastewater plant.Getty

One scientist pointed out that it’s likely thechemicalis, indeed, toxic.

“It’s a pretty small molecule and it can probably for that reason enter into biological systems and into cells. And it is still a reactive molecule,” David Reckhow, a research professor in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, told NBC. “Those are the kinds of things you worry about.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

source: people.com