Florida

Trihalomethanes occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.

Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer

Haloacetic acids occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.

Increased risk of cancer

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in more samples than allowed is a warning of potential problems.

Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5

Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted to nitrites.

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors. Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic releases in the environment.

Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer

Ethylene bromide, also known as EDB, and 1,2-Dibromoethane, is a colorless, heavy synthetic organic liquid with a mildly sweet chloroform-like odor. Ethylene dibromide is mainly used in an anti-knock gasoline mixtures, particularly aviation fuel.

Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is the most commonly used of a group of related chemicals called phthalates or phthalic acid esters. The greatest use of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is as a plasticizer for polyvinylchloride (PVC) and other polymers including rubber, cellulose and styrene. A number of packaging materials and tubings used in the production of foods and beverages are polyvinylchloride contaminated with phthalic aced esters, primarily di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Reproductive difficulties; liver problems; increased risk of cancer

Carbon tetrachloride is a clear heavy organic liquid with a sweet aromatic odor similar to chloroform. Most carbon tetrachloride is used to make chlorofluorocarbon propellants and refrigerants, though this has been declining steadily. It has also been used as a dry cleaning agent and fire extinguisher; in making nylons; as a solvent for rubber cement, soaps, insecticides, etc.

Liver problems; increased risk of cancer

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water can add to that exposure.

Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities

Cadmium is a metal found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. Cadmium is used primarily for metal plating and coating operations, including transportation equipment, machinery and baking enamels, photography, and television phosphors. It is also used in nickel-cadmium solar batteries and pigments.

Kidney damage

Thallium is a metal found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. The greatest use of thallium is in specialized electronic research equipment.

Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems

Benzene, a volatile organic chemical, is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid. It is highly flammable. It is formed through natural processes, such as volcanoes and forest fires. It is also formed from industrial processes. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. The greatest use of benzene is as a building block for making plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Other uses include: as a solvent in printing, paints, dry cleaning, etc.

Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer

Polychlorinated biphenyls are a group of organic chemicals which can be odorless or mildly aromatic solids or oily liquids. Polychlorinated biphenyls were formerly used in the United States as hydraulic fluids, plasticizers, adhesives, fire retardants, way extenders, de-dusting agents, pesticide extenders, inks, lubricants, cutting oils, in heat transfer systems, carbonless reproducing paper.

Skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer