Decatur 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

Common Sources

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What is Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DCA are based on evidence of increased cancer risk and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. Adverse effects to the male reproductive system have also been associated with elevated levels of DCA in animal studies. The EPA classifies DCA as a likely human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Gross Alpha Activity?

Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is DCPA acid metabolites?

DCPA (Dichloroacetic acid) is a herbicide that is used to control weeds in various crops. It is a chlorinated compound that can break down into several metabolites, which may also be present in drinking water.

Health Effects

Exposure to DCPA and its metabolites can lead to various health issues, including potential carcinogenic effects, reproductive toxicity, and developmental effects. Long-term exposure may affect the liver and kidneys.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for TCA in drinking water have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified TCA as a possible human carcinogen. Developmental toxicity has also been associated with exposure to TCA based on evidence from animal studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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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

Common Sources

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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

Common Sources

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What is Cyanide?

Cyanide is a chemical compound that contains a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. It is highly toxic and can exist in various forms, including gaseous hydrogen cyanide and solid cyanide salts. Cyanide is often used in industrial processes, such as mining and electroplating, and can also be found in certain plants and seeds.

Health Effects

Exposure to cyanide can lead to serious health effects, including respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure can result in neurological damage and other long-term health issues.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Radium 226?

Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.

Health Effects

Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards