Water Quality in Tuscaloosa, AL

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.

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What is Radium 228?

Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Health Effects

Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other 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.

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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.

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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.

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What is Aluminum?

Naturally-occurring metal found in the Earth's crust with multiple industrial uses, including the construction of buildings and powerlines, and the manufacture of vehicles, consumer electronics, household appliances, and kitchenware. It is also frequently used in municipal water treatment to clarify water from lakes and reservoirs. Health effects of aluminum exposure are inconclusive but actively researched.

Health Effects

Much of the current research on the health effects of aluminum in drinking water is still inconclusive and controversial. Health protective benchmarks for aluminum in drinking water set by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment are based on potential neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity in premature infants. People more susceptible to aluminum impacts include infants and people with impaired kidney function.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards