Dibromochloromethane
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine
Health Guideline Level (HGL)
0.1 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
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 & Systems:
Common Sources
- Most often formed when chlorine used for drinking water disinfection interacts with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systems
- Levels are usually higher surface water than groundwater because greater raw organic matter is present
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Dibromochloromethane:
Health Guideline Level
The HGL represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.
Contaminant Type
Dibromochloromethane is classified as a Disinfection Byproducts contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the kidneys, carcinogens, and other systems.
Check Your Water
Find out if Dibromochloromethane is in your tap water.
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