Texas

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 nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

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

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

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.

Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth

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

Selenium is a metal found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. The greatest use of selenium compounds is in electronic and photocopier components, but they are also widely used in glass, pigments, rubber, metal alloys, textiles, petroleum, medical therapeutic agents, and photographic emulsions.

Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems

1,1-Dichloroethylene is an organic liquid with a mild, sweet, chloroform-like odor. Virtually all 1,1-dichloroethylene is used in making adhesives, synthetic fibers, refrigerants, food packaging and coating resins such as the saran types.

Liver problems

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral occurring in natural deposits. Because asbestos fibers are resistant to heat and most chemicals, they have been mined for use in more than 3,000 products, including roofing materials, brake pads, and cement pipe often used in distributing water to communities.

Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps

Chlorine dioxide is a water additive used to control microbes and can be used to control tastes and odors. It rapidly disappears from stored water.

Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects

Chlorite occurs when chlorine dioxide breaks down.

Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects

Mercury is a liquid metal found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. Electrical products such as dry-cell batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, switches, and other control equipment account for 50 percent of mercury used.

Kidney damage

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

Bromate occurs when bromide in the water reacts with the disinfectant, ozone.

Increased risk of cancer

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

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

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.

Liver problems; increased risk of cancer

Atrazine is a white, crystalline solid organic compound. Atrazine is a widely used herbicide for control of broadleaf and grassy weeds. Effective in 1993, its uses were greatly restricted.

Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems

Barium is a lustrous, machinable metal which exists in nature only in ores containing mixtures of elements. It is used in making a wide variety of electronic components, in metal alloys, bleaches, dyes, fireworks, ceramics and glass. In particular, it is used in well drilling operations where it is directly released into the ground.

Increase in blood pressure