What’s in your water – Chloramines

Chloramine has been replacing chlorine in some municipal water treatment systems due to concerns about chlorine’s health effects. The problem is, they seems to have harmful health effects that are similar to chlorine.

Water utilities use a form of chloramine that is composed of one part chlorine, to one part ammonia. That form  is referred to as monochloramine. The problem is, it changes form readily into other, more harmful forms.

There are three different forms: monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3). They convert easily into each other.

The three types  constantly shift from one form to another. The type that will be present at any given time is dependent on pH, temperature, turbulence, and the chlorine to ammonia ratio. Time is also a factor because after a day, they will slowly degrade to form dichloramine and some trichloramine. All three are respiratory irritants; trichloramine is the most toxic of the three:

Order of toxicity:

• monochloramine = less toxic
• dichloramine
• trichloramine = most toxic

Disinfection byproducts are chemicals formed when a disinfectant combines with organic matter or other chemicals present in water.

Chloramine facts

• Does not dissipate easily compared to chlorine.
• Stays in the water distribution system longer than chlorine.
• Is difficult to remove.
• Cannot be removed by boiling, distilling, or by standing uncovered.
• Some of its disinfection byproducts are even more toxic than those of chlorine.
• The vapors and  disinfection byproducts can accumulate in indoor air and concentrate in an enclosed area such as a shower stall.

How to protect yourself

Your safest bet is to stop chlorinated water from entering your home with a whole home filtration system. Keep in mind that water softeners, and many popular home water filters do not protect you.

Life Ionizers Dolphin Whole Home filtration system is effective against many  toxins found commonly in tap water. The Dolphin system uses filtration technology developed for NASA – Charged Modified Composite Blend. Traditional filters simply try to block toxins, the CMCB technology in the Dolphin system uses an electrostatic charge to attract and bind to pollutants. Once pollutants are bound up in the filter, they can’t get out.

Want more information? Contact our water quality experts today at (888) 888-6889