Centre Tap Water Quality Report

What is Bromodichloromethane?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for BDCM are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen. Results from animal studies also suggest that kidney, immune system, spleen, and developmental toxicity are associated with exposure to BDCM. BDCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

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What is Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. It is found in fabrics, fire-fighting foams, cleaning products, hydraulic fluids, metal plating, and paper. Although PFOS production has been phased out in the US, exposure is still a major concern due to its high degree of persistence in the environment and in the body as well as the use of legacy products and imported goods. Many adverse health effects have been linked to PFOS exposure, including developmental, liver, and immunological problems and increased cancer risk. EPA has found that there is suggestive evidence that PFOS is a human carcinogen.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFOS is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have shown associations between elevated PFOS levels and increased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') as well as immune toxicity (decreased antibody response). Animal studies indicate that PFOS exposure is related to adverse developmental effects, liver toxicity, immune toxicity, and an increased risk of liver and pancreatic cancer.

Affected Organs

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What is Perfluorooctanoic acid?

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that belongs to a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is used in various industrial applications and consumer products for its water- and grease-resistant properties.

Health Effects

Exposure to PFOA has been linked to several health issues, including developmental effects in fetuses, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer.

Affected Organs

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What is Perfluorodecanoic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. PFDA has been used in coatings on food packaging, furniture, upholstery, and carpeting, and as a lubricant, plasticizer, and corrosion inhibitor. Like many other PFAS, PFDA is resistant to breakdown in the environment and the body. High levels of ingested PFDA may result in adverse liver, developmental, and immune effects, but research on the health effects of PFDA is still ongoing.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFDA is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have found associations with PFDA exposure and decreased antibody response to vaccines as well as increases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol'). Animal studies have also demonstrated associations between PFDA levels and liver toxicity, as well as developmental effects (low birth weight and offspring mortality).

Affected Organs

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What is Total THMs?

Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.

Affected Organs

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What is Dibromochloromethane?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DBCM have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified DBCM as a possible human carcinogen based on animal evidence, while IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) says it is unclassifiable as a human carcinogen. Kidney toxicity has also been associated with DBCM based on evidence from animal studies. DBCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

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What is Chloroform?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.

Affected Organs

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What is Chlorite?

Chlorite is a chemical compound that is a derivative of chloric acid. It is often found in drinking water as a byproduct of chlorine disinfection processes. Chlorite can also occur naturally in some water sources.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorite can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingesting high levels of chlorite can cause gastrointestinal distress and may affect red blood cell function, leading to methemoglobinemia, a condition where the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively.

Affected Organs

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What is Perfluorononanoic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. PFNA serves as a processing aid for fluoropolymers, most notably the temperature resistant plastic used in tanks, valves, batteries, and fishing lines. It has also been used in producing fire-fighting foams. PFNA production is currently being phased out in the US, but exposure is still a major concern due to its high degree of persistence in the environment and in the body, as well as its presence in legacy products and imported goods. Adverse health effects related to elevated PFNA levels include developmental, liver, and immunological toxicity as well as increased cholesterol.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFNA is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have shown associations between PFNA and increases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol'). Animal studies indicate that PFNA exposure is related to developmental, liver, and immune system toxicity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. PFHxS has been used in protective coatings for carpets, paints, and textiles and as a surfactant in industrial processes. It may also be found in food contact papers, fire-fighting foams, and cleaning products. PFHxS production has been phased out in the US, but ongoing concerns exist due to its high persistence in the environment and the body, legacy uses, and presence in imported goods. Exposure to elevated PFHxS levels may result in adverse effects to the thyroid and liver.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFHxS is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have identified that PFHxS exposure may be associated with immunosuppression (i.e. reduced antibody response, impacting vaccine efficiency). Animal studies suggest PFHxS may cause increased liver weight, as well as adverse effects to thyroid hormone levels, and motor development.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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