CHLORAMINES - A NEW THREAT EXPOSED

In order to combat the problem posed by Chlorine water treatment authorities have begun to replace it with Chloramine. Chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, are supposed to be more stable than chlorine, forming less deadly disinfection by-products (DPB’s) such as Tri-Halomethanes.

Because they have a stable chemical nature Chloramines last longer in the distribution system, which means Chloramines are better suited to countries like the United States and Australia where there are often large distances between the water treatment plant and homes.  And they are thought safer. However, research released late 2004 found something no-one had expected.

Scientists found that the DPB’s of Chloramine are even more toxic than chlorine’s DPB’s – Up to a shocking 300 times more toxic than those produced by chlorine!

“What’s even more disconcerting is the fact that only an estimated 30% of these Deadly by-products of chlorine alternatives have even been studied for their toxic effects. Basically, we have no idea of how the chemicals now present in our water will affect us or our children. Essentially, we’re the guinea pigs in a huge poison study.”

Scientists from the University of Illinois recently tested the chloramine DPB’s found in regular tap water.

“By-product of water disinfection process found to be highly toxic.” 15 Sep 2004 A recently discovered disinfection by-product (DBP) found in U.S. drinking water treated with chloramines is the most toxic ever found, says Michael J. Plewa, a genetic toxicologist in the department of crop sciences at the University of Illinois who tested samples on mammalian cells.

“This research says that when you go to alternatives, you may be opening a Pandora’s box of new DBPs' and they may be much more toxic, by orders of magnitude, than the regulated ones we are trying to avoid.”

“….One of the five detailed in the study, iodoacetic acid, is the most toxic and DNA damaging to mammalian cells in tests of known DBPs'. These iodoacetic acids raise new levels of concerns,” he said. “Not only do they represent a potential danger because of all the water consumed on a daily basis, water is recycled back into the environment. What are the consequences?”

Some 600 DBPs have been identified since 1974, Plewa said.  Scientists believe they’ve identified maybe 50 percent of all DBPs that occur in chlorine treated water, but only 17 percent of those occurring in chloramines-treated water…

Some DBPs in chlorine-treated water have been found to raise the risks of various cancers, as well as birth and developmental defects.”

The problem with chloramines is only the tip of the iceberg as cancers that may be caused by DPB’s may not evident for 40 or more years. This is something you do not want happening to you.