Your glass of tap water might hold more than H₂O. A groundbreaking study reveals 1 in 3 Americans could be drinking water containing a mysterious new chemical – and scientists are racing to understand its risks.
Meet chloronitramide anion, a byproduct formed when water utilities use chloramine to disinfect drinking supplies. While cities have relied on this bacteria-killing method for decades, advanced tech just now identified this stealthy compound.
Published in Science journal, the research confirms the chemical’s presence but leaves a big question: How dangerous is it? Early analysis shows structural similarities to concerning pollutants, but concrete answers could take years – and regulatory changes even longer.
\"We’re not sounding alarms yet,\" researchers caution, noting 113 million Americans already drink this treated water daily. Utilities are urged to monitor developments while households wait for clearer guidance.
Reference(s):
Scientists find new, 'potentially toxic' chemical in U.S. tap water
cgtn.com