Toxic contaminants continue to be detected in America’s drinking water, putting millions of Americans at risk for chronic disease. According to a report from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC):1
“Chronic underinvestment has left water infrastructure outdated and on the verge of collapse in many parts of the country.
“Lead, perfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, industrial pollution and agricultural runoff are contaminating the drinking water of hundreds of millions of people, and many of them don’t even know it.”
PFAS, also known as the forever chemicals, have been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer, liver problems, abnormal fetal development and hormonal disorders.2 The list of contaminants is now longer. Researchers discovered a new contaminant, the chlornitramide anion, whose public health impacts have not yet been determined.
Chlornitramide Anion — New Byproduct Identified in U.S. Drinking Water
A study published in Science examined the presence of previously unidentified byproducts from inorganic chloramine breakdown in U.S. drinking water systems. The study focused on chloramine-treated water, a commonly used disinfectant to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.3 For context, chloramines are a mixture of chlorine and ammonia.4
The study examined 10 chloraminated drinking water systems serving more than 113 million people across the United States. Researchers analyzed 40 water samples from these chloramine treatment systems and discovered a new byproduct, the “chlornitramide anion” (Cl–N–NO2−), formed during the breakdown of monochloramines and dichloramines.5 This was consistently detected in all samples tested.6
The average concentration in the water samples was 23 micrograms per liter, with actual ranges from 1.3 micrograms per liter to 92 micrograms per liter. In particular, drinking water systems without ultrapure water and chlorine-based disinfectants were free of chloronitrimid anions, indicating a direct link between chloramine use and their formation.7
Although the exact toxicity of the chlornitramide anion is not yet known, its structural similarity to other toxic molecules suggests that its prevalence has serious health implications.8 According to a report from NBC News:9
“It could take years to find out whether the chlornitramide anion is dangerous. This has never been studied.
Scientists said there is no hard evidence to suggest the compound is dangerous, but it bears similarities to other chemicals of concern. “They think it’s worth investigating because it’s so widely discovered.”
Now that scientists know what the byproducts are, they are moving into the research phase. According to lead author Julian Fairey, “Now we can try to find out what the toxicological relevance is in water systems.”10
Chlorinated water is linked to increased risk of colon cancer in men
In another study conducted in Sweden, researchers examined how long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) in chlorinated drinking water affected the likelihood of developing colon cancer. The researchers aimed to determine whether elevated levels of these byproducts, which are commonly found in treated water, could be a significant risk factor for this type of cancer.11
“Several drinking water disinfection by-products have been identified as rodent carcinogens, but evidence for human carcinogenicity associated with these by-products, including colorectal cancer, is not yet conclusive.”
The study examined 58,672 participants (32,872 men and 25,800 women), drawing data from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Cohort of Swedish Men. Participants were monitored for an average of approximately 17 years, accumulating more than 988,000 person-years of data. By focusing on individuals consuming water from public systems, we ensured that our findings were relevant to typical drinking water sources.12
Studies have shown an association between high THM concentrations (more than 15 micrograms per liter) and an increased risk of proximal colon cancer in men. Specifically, with exposure in this range, men have a 59% higher risk compared to men with lower exposure. Interestingly, this study did not observe a similar association in women, indicating that risk differs by gender.13
The study also highlighted that the proximal part of the colon, the part closest to the small intestine, was particularly affected by THM exposure. The risk for men in this area of the intestine is significantly elevated, highlighting the localized effects of these chemicals in the gut. The findings are also consistent with previous studies cited by the researchers, reinforcing the threat posed by THMs in drinking water.14
For context, THMs are formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic substances present in the water supply. These chemicals are not just byproducts. It has DNA-damaging properties, causing mutations that ultimately lead to cancer. “High THM concentrations in drinking water were associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in men,” the researchers said.15
Biologically, THMs are reactive substances. Once inside the body, it interacts with cellular components and causes genotoxicity. This means that it damages the genetic information within cells, causing mutations that lead to cancer.
Previous animal studies cited by the researchers showed that exposure to THMs led to the formation of abnormal crypts and colon carcinomas, providing a plausible mechanism for how THMs contribute to human cancer development.16
Water contaminants increase risk of endometrial cancer
In another study, researchers looked at the relationship between certain chemicals found in drinking water and the risk of developing endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus. In particular, the team looked at disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5), to determine their impact on endometrial cancer risk.17
Researchers selected a group of postmenopausal women ages 55 to 69 from the Iowa Women’s Health Study cohort. This included 10,501 women who had been using the same public water source for over 10 years, ensuring consistent levels of exposure to DBPs across participants.18
The study found that women with higher average concentrations of DBP in their drinking water had an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, and that women at the highest exposure percentile had a significant association with risk. This trend is particularly evident in low-grade tumors, which are less aggressive and generally have a better prognosis than higher-grade type 1 tumors.19
The study also highlighted that long-term exposure to DBP levels above half the maximum contaminant level (MCL) is associated with a higher risk of cancer. Women who had been exposed to this specific range for more than the average period (16 years) showed a stronger association compared to women who were not exposed.20
Interestingly, the study found no significant association between nitrate levels in drinking water and endometrial cancer risk. Nitrate is a common pollutant, especially in agricultural areas, but in this case it did not affect cancer risk in the same way as DBP. “We did not observe statistically significant associations or trends across quintiles of dietary nitrate or nitrite,” the researchers said.21
DBPs, such as TTHM and HAA5, contribute to the development of cancer by disrupting the body’s hormonal balance. These chemicals disrupt hormone receptors and hormone homeostasis, increasing estrogen levels and decreasing progesterone levels. This environment promotes the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in the endometrium and is therefore known to be a risk factor for endometrial cancer.22
The study also noted that some DBPs have been classified as probable human carcinogens due to their ability to bind to hormone receptors and interfere with normal hormone function. Animal studies support these findings by showing that DBP consumption leads to infertility, disruption of the estrous cycle, and elevated estradiol levels, all of which are associated with an increased risk of cancer.23
How to Protect Yourself from Toxic Water Pollutants
Modern environmental toxins continue to seep into the nation’s water supply, compromising cellular energy production and overall health. Contaminants such as heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues disrupt mitochondrial function and pose serious health risks. And now the public also has to deal with the chlornitramide anion.
Here are some effective solutions to protect yourself and your family from waterborne environmental threats:
1. Installing a Comprehensive Whole House Water Purification System — Protecting your entire family from toxic water contaminants starts with a strong filtration system.
Available whole-house filtration systems include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and activated carbon block filtration to remove chlorine, THMs, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals to varying degrees. Do your due diligence and find out what’s best for your home at a price you’re comfortable with.
By purifying all the water that comes into your home (both drinking and shower water), you can prevent toxins from damaging cellular energy production.
2. Filter drinking water and shower water separately. Whole house filtration systems provide extensive protection, but adding another layer of filtration at the point of use provides even greater safety. Keep your drinking water free of residual toxins by installing a high-quality reverse osmosis filter or activated carbon filter on your kitchen faucets.
For shower water, special shower filters are used to remove chlorine and other chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. This dual filtration approach ensures comprehensive protection for all household water use.
3. Test and monitor water quality regularly — To maintain optimal filtration, water quality must be assessed regularly. Resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database can help you identify contaminants prevalent in your area.24
To ensure an accurate analysis, it is recommended that an independent water quality test be performed by a laboratory, especially if you use well water or live near an industrial/agricultural site. Regular monitoring allows the filtration system to be adjusted as needed, ensuring ongoing protection from new water toxins that interfere with cell function.
4. Stay informed and upgrade your filtration technology as needed — As industrial waste and environmental pollution continue to enter our water supplies, new water contaminants emerge all the time. Staying up to date on the latest advancements in water filtration technology ensures your systems can effectively target the latest threats.
5. Maintain and service your filtration system regularly — Regular maintenance is important to keep your water filtration system operating at peak efficiency. Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations and perform regular inspections for signs of wear or malfunction.
A well-maintained system is more effective at removing contaminants and thus continues to support mitochondrial function and cellular energy production.
