Toxins continue to be found in America’s drinking water, putting millions of Americans at risk of serious illness. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC):1
“Long-term underinvestment has left water infrastructure outdated and failing in many places across the country…
Lead, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, industrial pollutants and agricultural runoff are contaminating the drinking water of hundreds of millions of people — and many don’t even know it.
PFAS, also known as perennial chemicals, have been linked to diseases such as cancer, liver problems, abnormal fetal growth and hormone disruption.2 Now, the list of pollutants is longer. Researchers have discovered a very new pollutant whose impact on public health has not yet been determined – chloronitramide ion.
Chloronitriamide anion – a new product known in American drinking water
A study published in Science investigated the presence of a previously unknown byproduct of the decomposition of inorganic chloramines in US drinking water systems. The study focused on chloramide water, a common disinfectant treatment aimed at preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.3 For context, chloramine is a mixture of chlorine and ammonia.4
The study examined 10 chlorinated drinking water systems across the United States, serving more than 113 million people. The researchers analyzed 40 water samples from these chloramide systems and found a new byproduct, the “chloronitramide anion” (Cl–N–NO2−), formed during the degradation of mono- and dichloramines.5 It was consistently detected in all samples tested.6
The water samples had a median concentration of 23 micrograms per liter, with the actual concentration ranging from 1.3 micrograms per liter to 92 micrograms per liter. Notably, chloronitramide ion is absent in ultrapressurized water and in drinking water systems that do not use chlorine-based disinfectants, indicating a direct link between chloramine use and its formation.7
Although the exact toxicity of the chloronitramide anion is not known, its structural similarity to other toxic molecules suggests that its distribution can cause significant health effects.8 According to NBC News:9
“It may take years to find out if the chloronitramide anion is dangerous – it’s never been studied…
The scientists said they had no hard evidence that the compound posed a risk, but that it had similarities to other chemicals of concern. They think it’s worth investigating because it’s so widely available.
Now that scientists know what the results are, they are now moving into the research phase. According to lead author Julian Ferrey, “we can now work hard to understand the significance of toxins in our aquatic systems.”10
Chlorinated water linked to higher risk of colorectal cancer in men
In another study conducted in Sweden, researchers determined how long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) in chlorinated drinking water affects the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers aimed to determine whether the elevated levels of these byproducts found in commonly treated water could be a major risk factor for this type of cancer.11
“While several drinking water preservatives have been shown to be carcinogenic in rats, the evidence for human carcinogenicity associated with these byproducts, including colorectal cancer, is still inconclusive.”
The study examined 58,672 participants (32,872 men and 25,800 women), drawing data from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Swedish Men’s Cohort. Participants were followed for an average of 17 years, accumulating more than 988,000 person-years of data. It focused on individuals who drink water from public systems, ensuring that the findings are relevant to common drinking water sources.12
The findings showed an association between high THM concentrations (15 micrograms per liter or more) and an increased risk of colon cancer in men. Specifically, exposure in this range makes men 59% more vulnerable than those with low exposure. Interestingly, the study did not show the same association in women, indicating that the risk varies by gender.13
The study found that the proximal part of the colon, the part closest to the small intestine, was particularly affected by THM exposure. The risk of men in this region of the intestine is significantly higher, which emphasizes the environmental impact of these chemicals in the intestine. The findings are consistent with previous studies cited by the researchers, which reinforce the threat of THMs in drinking water.14
For context, THMs are produced when the chlorine used to disinfect water comes into contact with natural organic materials in the water supply. These chemicals are not just products – they have DNA-damaging properties, leading to mutations that eventually lead to cancer. “High levels of TMS in drinking water increase the risk of colorectal cancer in men,” the researchers said.15
Biologically, THMs are reactive substances. When they enter the body, they interact with cellular bodies, which lead to genotoxicity. This means that they destroy the genetic information in the cells, mutations cause cancer.
Animal studies previously cited by the researchers show that exposure to THMs can cause aberrant crypts and colon carcinomas, providing a plausible mechanism for how THMs contribute to cancer development in humans.16
Water pollution increases the risk of endometrial cancer
In another study, researchers examined the relationship between certain chemicals in drinking water and the risk of developing endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus. Specifically, the team looked at pesticide products (DBPs) such as total trihalomethanes (TTHM) and haloacetic acid (HAA5) to determine their impact on endometrial cancer risk.17
The researchers selected a group of postmenopausal women aged 55 to 69 from the Iowa Women’s Health Study. It included 10,501 women who had been using the same public water supply for more than 10 years, ensuring a consistent level of exposure to DBPs across participants.18
The findings showed that women with average concentrations of DBPs in their drinking water had a higher risk of endometrial cancer, and those with higher concentrations had a higher risk. This trend was particularly pronounced for low-grade tumors, which are less aggressive and typically have a better prognosis than high-grade type I tumors.19
Long-term exposure to DBP at more than half the maximum contaminant level (MCL) was associated with a higher risk of cancer, the study found. Women exposed to this particular region over a medium period of time (16 years) showed a stronger association compared to those without such exposure.20
Interestingly, the study found no association between nitrate levels in drinking water and risk of endometrial cancer. Nitrates are particularly common pollutants in agricultural areas, but in this case, DBPs did not affect cancer risk as much as they did. According to the researchers, “We observed no statistically significant associations or trends between quintiles of dietary nitrate or nitrite.21
DBPs such as TTHM and HAA5 contribute to the development of cancer by disrupting the hormonal balance in the body. These chemicals interfere with hormone reception and homeostasis, causing an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in progesterone levels. This area is a known risk factor for endometrial cancer as it promotes the growth and spread of cancer cells in the lining of the uterus.22
The study also states that some DBPs have been classified as potential human carcinogens due to binding to hormone receptors and disrupting normal hormone functions. Animal studies support these findings, which show that DBPs lead to infertility, estrogen cycle disturbances and elevated estrogen levels, all of which are associated with cancer risk.23
How to protect yourself from water pollution
Modern environmental toxins are constantly seeping into the nation’s water supply, affecting your cellular energy production and overall health. Contaminants such as heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues disrupt mitochondrial function and pose serious risks to your health. And now, the public must also contend with chloronitramide anion.
Here are effective solutions to protect yourself and your family from water-based environmental hazards
1. Installation of a comprehensive home water filtration system – Protecting your entire family from toxic water pollution starts with a strong filtration system.
Available whole-house filtration systems include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and activated carbon block filtration, which remove chlorine, TMM, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals to varying degrees. Do your due diligence to find out which one is best for your home at a price point that’s right for you.
By ensuring that all water entering your home is treated (both drinking and shower water), you are preventing toxins from harming your cellular energy production.
2. Filter both drinking and shower water separately – While a whole house filtration system provides extensive protection, adding another layer of filtration at the point of use increases security. Install high-quality reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters on kitchen faucets to ensure your drinking water is free of residual toxins.
For shower water, use special shower filters to remove chlorine and other chemicals that penetrate the skin. This dual filter approach ensures comprehensive protection for all domestic water uses.
3. Check and monitor your water quality regularly – Maintaining a good filter requires regular evaluation of your water quality. Resources like the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tap Water Database can help you identify the most common contaminants in your area.24
For accurate analysis, especially if you rely on well water or live near industrial/agricultural areas, I recommend having an independent water test done with a lab. Regular monitoring allows you to adjust your filtration systems as needed, ensuring constant protection from emerging water toxins that disrupt cellular functions.
4. Stay informed and upgrade filtering technologies as needed – New water pollution is always emerging due to the constant intrusion of industrial waste and environmental pollution into our water supply. Keeping up to date with the latest advances in water filtration technology will ensure your systems effectively target the most current threats.
5. Maintain and service your filtration systems regularly – Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your water filtration systems running at peak efficiency. Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and perform regular inspections to detect any signs of wear or deterioration.
Well-maintained systems are more efficient at removing pollutants, thereby continuously supporting your mitochondrial function and cellular energy production.
