Every time you turn on the tap, you trust that the water flowing into your home is safe. But a newly identified chemical, chloronitramide anion, has been found in drinking water systems across the United States, affecting over 113 million people¹. This compound, a byproduct of the disinfectant chloramine, is unregulated and untested for toxicity². The health risks remain unknown, leaving millions potentially vulnerable.

What’s in Your Water?

Chloramine, a widely used alternative to chlorine, was adopted to reduce disinfection byproducts linked to cancers and miscarriages³. However, chloramine decomposes into lesser-known byproducts like chloronitramide anion. This compound, identified only recently after decades of research, is chemically similar to toxic substances⁴. Scientists warn that its small molecular size may allow it to enter cells and biological systems⁵.

The presence of chloronitramide anion raises serious questions. Is it safe? Could it contribute to long-term health issues? These critical questions remain unanswered because no toxicological studies have been conducted².

Why Action is Needed Now

Clean water is a fundamental human right. Disinfectants like chloramine are essential for preventing diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Yet the trade-off between eliminating pathogens and introducing unregulated chemicals into our water is alarming⁵. Public health experts emphasize the need for updated regulations to address these risks while maintaining safe disinfection practices³.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates only a handful of disinfectant byproducts². Chloronitramide anion’s widespread presence highlights gaps in oversight and a pressing need for further research. Without swift action, millions could unknowingly consume water containing potentially harmful substances.

What Can Be Done?

Scientists recommend urgent toxicological studies to determine whether chloronitramide anion poses a risk to human health¹. Meanwhile, utilities must minimize exposure by improving water treatment methods and reducing byproduct formation³. But these measures require strong regulatory support from the EPA.

You have the power to demand accountability and protect your health. By calling on the EPA to investigate chloronitramide anion and update water safety standards, we can ensure safe, clean drinking water for future generations.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Sign our petition urging the EPA to take immediate action to study and regulate chloramine and its byproducts. Together, we can ensure that every American has access to water that is not only clean but safe.

More on this issue:

1. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News (22 November 2024), "What to know about the newly identified chemical found in certain U.S. drinking water."
2. Evan Bush, NBC News (21 November 2024), "Newly identified chemical in drinking water is most likely present in many homes and could be toxic."
3. Frank Landymore, Futurism (23 November 2024), "Scientists Identify Strange Chemical in Drinking Water Across the US."
4. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, (21 November 2024), "‘Unidentified product’ in tap water identified after 40 years."
5. Sarah Raza and Teddy Amenabar, The Washington Post (22 November 2024), "What experts say about tap water amid new concerns."