Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Description
Haloacetic acids occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer
Coliform (TCR)
Description
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.
Health Effects
Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5
TTHM
Description
Trihalomethanes occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Nitrate
Description
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.
Health Effects
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
Description
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.
Health Effects
Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer
Fluoride
Description
Fluoride compounds are salts that form when the element, fluorine, combines with minerals in soil or rocks. Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health.
Health Effects
Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth
Chlorite
Description
Chlorite occurs when chlorine dioxide breaks down.
Health Effects
Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects
Tetrachloroethylene
Description
Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless organic liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor. The greatest use of tetrachloroethylene is in the textile industry, and as a component of aerosol dry-cleaning products.
Health Effects
Liver problems; increased risk of cancer