Clean drinking water is essential for human survival.
While disinfecting water has saved countless lives by preventing diseases like cholera and typhoid, it is not without its complexities.
Researchers from the United States and Switzerland have now discovered a new chemical compound in chlorinated drinking water that could raise health concerns.
The compound, known as chloronitramide and expressed chemically as Cl-N-NO₂, was found during the decomposition of inorganic chloramines, according to El Economista.
These chloramines are commonly used in water treatment to kill harmful bacteria.
Impact Remains Unknown
The study, published in Science, reveals that chloronitramide is a stable chemical with properties similar to other toxic compounds. However, its full impact on human health remains unknown.
The researchers believe the discovery calls for further investigation.
They stress the importance of understanding its toxicity and prevalence in treated water systems.
Julian Fairey, an associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas, explained the challenges in identifying the compound.
He described it as a low molecular weight substance that was difficult to detect and confirm.
To validate their findings, the team synthesized the compound in a laboratory for the first time.
The samples were then analyzed by Juliana Laszakovits, a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich and a co-author of the study.
This collaborative effort confirmed that chloronitramide exists and is stable under certain conditions.
Although the discovery is significant, many questions remain unanswered.
Scientists have yet to conduct any toxicity studies on the compound, leaving its potential risks unclear. Researchers agree that more work is needed to determine whether it poses a threat to public health.
