Water supplier companies in the United States are rapidly transitioning to the use of chloramines to treat drinking water. Initially, chlorine was used as a disinfectant, but nowadays the majority of water suppliers are switching to chloramines because chloramines are not only an effective water solution but also considered safer.
Now, the question here is are chloramines really a decent option? Or do they cause us more harm than good? To find out keep reading the article till the end.
Also, read our blog post about How To Remove Chlorine From Water
What Are Chloramines?
Chloramine is a chemical disinfectant that is produced due to the reaction between ammonia and free chlorine. However, this also produces various inorganic chloramines such monochloramine and dichloramine.
Although, chloramines are disinfectants, but they are still less harmful than chlorine.
Dangers of Chloramines
Below, we have some of the major disadvantages/dangers of chloramines in drinking water.
Can Cause Irritation:
One of the major disadvantages of chloramines in drinking water is that they can potentially harm your skin while also causing irritation in the eyes & ears.
So, people already suffering from skin problems should be extra careful about chloramines. Moreover, when chloramines pollute your drinking water, it results in the production of toxic byproducts like chlorine dioxide, and many more. All these toxic contaminants may cause serious health concerns.
Bad Taste & Odor:
As we already mentioned, chloramines aren’t as harsh as chlorine. But they contain a toxic chemical disinfectant that leaves drinking water with an unpleasant taste. Moreover, chloramines also impart a distinct “pool” odor to the water.
Cause Harm To Kidneys:
Chloramines in drinking water can contaminate the dialysis fluid and enter the blood. Once it enters the bloodstream, they also alter haemoglobin and cause acute hemolytic anaemia.
Digestive & Gastric:
Chloramines in drinking water can damage digestive mucosa. They can also cause digestive disorders.
Respiratory Issues:
Exposure to chloramines in drinking water is bad for human health. As it can weaken our lungs making us more susceptible to respiratory tract infections, and asthma.
Different Ways To Remove Chloramines From Drinking Water
Chloramines are a common disinfectant used in many municipal water supplies. Although chloramines are effective at disinfecting water, they can also cause problems for people with certain medical conditions, and they can also give water an unpleasant taste. Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can remove chloramines from your drinking water.
One way to remove chloramines from your water is to let it sit for a while. Chloramines are volatile, which means that they will evaporate over time. If you let a container of water sit out for 24 hours, the chloramines should evaporate and the water will be safe to drink.
Another way to remove chloramines from your water is to filter it. There are a number of different water filters that can remove chloramines from water, including activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters. If you have a whole-house filtration system, it should be able to remove chloramines from your water.
You can also remove chloramines from your water by boiling it. Boiling water for at least one minute will cause the chloramines to evaporate, leaving you with safe, clean water.
Another option is to use a chemical treatment. There are a few different chemicals that can be used to remove chloramines from water, including sodium thiosulfate and chlorine bleach.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you remove chloramines from your drinking water to stay healthy and safe.
If you have concerns about the level of chloramines in your water, you can contact your local water utility to have your water tested. They can also tell you if there are any steps you can take to remove chloramines from your water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are chloramines?
Chloramines are disinfectant chemicals used to treat drinking water. They are created when chlorine is combined with ammonia.
What are the health effects of chloramines?
Chloramines can cause skin and eye irritation. They can also cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. People with liver or kidney disease may be more susceptible to the health effects of chloramines.
What are the benefits of chloramines?
Chloramines are less effective than chlorine at disinfecting water. They also do not last as long in the water. 3.
Who is at risk for complications from chloramines?
If you are on dialysis or have a weakened immune system, you are at a higher risk for complications from chloramines.
How can I reduce my exposure to chloramines?
You can install a water filtration system in your home or office. Filters that use reverse osmosis or activated carbon can remove chloramines from water. You can also let your water sit for 24 hours before drinking it. 5.
What is the best way to avoid exposure to chloramines?
The best way to avoid exposure to chloramines is to drink bottled water or water that has been filtered.
What are the best filters for removing chloramines from drinking water?
Some of the best filters for removing chloramines from drinking water include:
-Activated carbon filters
-Ion exchange filters
How are chloramines regulated in the United States?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the levels of chloramines in drinking water. The EPA has set an enforceable limit of 4 milligrams per litre (mg/L) of chloramines in public water systems.
Final Words:
Chloramines are a family of chemicals that are used to disinfect water. They are made by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramines are less effective at disinfecting water than chlorine, but they last longer in the water supply. Chloramines can cause skin and eye irritation. They can also cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. People with liver or kidney disease may be more susceptible to the health effects of chloramines.
Overall, the potential dangers of chloramines in drinking water should not be taken lightly. However, there are ways to remove chloramines from drinking water, so there is no need to panic. If you are concerned about the levels of chloramines in your drinking water, you can contact your local water utility to ask about the level of chloramines in your water. You can also install a water filter that is certified to remove chloramines from your drinking water.