Sep 17, 2012

The Dangers of Chloramine


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Chloramine

Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is used to disinfect water supplies, water utilities often refer to chloramine as monochloramine.  Chloramines are all respiratory irritants with trichloramine being the most toxic (order of toxicity: monochloramine < dichloramine < trichloramine-most severe.) Chloramine does not dissipate easily compared to chlorine, and stays in the water distribution system longer than chlorine. Chloramine is difficult to remove, and cannot be removed by boiling, distilling, or by standing uncovered. Some disinfection byproducts of chloramine are even more toxic than those of chlorine, i.e. iodoacids.  Chloramine vapors and its disinfection byproducts can accumulate in indoor air and concentrate in an enclosed area such as a shower stall, small bathroom, kitchen, or apartment
Respiratory Problems
Chloramine can cause and/or aggravate respiratory problems. Chloramine fumes can cause an individual to become congested and cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma (see theHazardous Substances Fact Sheet for Chloramine, PDF, 98 KB), by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services). An increase in asthma due to exposure from chloramine in indoor swimming pool areas was shown in a Belgium study. Chloramine damages mucous membranes. The lung damage in those exposed to chloramine in indoor pool air is similar to that seen in regular smokers. Chloraminated vapor from showers, baths, hot tubs, dishwashers, and other household appliances contains volatilized chemicals that can be inhaled and cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Inhaled chloraminated vapor can enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs. It bypasses the digestive tract where the SFPUC says it is broken down and excreted.

The SFPUC says that, "if monochloramine enters the bloodstream directly, it combines with hemoglobin (red blood cells) so it can no longer carry oxygen". The toxic exposure to chemicals (like chloramine) in water is greater from taking a shower than from drinking the same water (see Toxic Showers and Baths). An individual can experience long term effects from repeated exposures to a chemical (like chloramine) at levels not high enough to make them immediately sick. Chloramine exposure damages lung mucosa, making the lungs more susceptible to allergens and infections.

Skin Problems
Chloramine tap water can cause severe skin reactions – rashing, dry skin, flaking skin, and chapping. It can also aggravate other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Skin exposure to ammonia "breaks down cell structural proteins, extracts water from the cells and initiates an inflammatory response, which further damages the surrounding tissues."
Digestive and Gastric Problems
Chloramine damages digestive mucosa, and can aggravate digestive disorders. It is suggested that monochloramine is responsible for gastric cancer.
Kidney and Blood Problems
Persons with liver or kidney disease and those with hereditary urea cycle disorders are at increased risk for ammonia toxicity from the consumption of chloraminated water. Kidney dialysis patients cannot use chloraminated water in their dialysis machines because it will cause hemolytic anemia.


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