Dibromomethane
Organobromine and a volatile organic compound. It is primarily used as a fumigant and pesticide, though it has largely been phased out of use in the US due to its ozone depleting effects in the atmosphere. Bromomethane is readily volatile, thus all routes of exposure (ingestion, inhalation and dermal) are relevant if one is exposed via drinking water. Exposure to elevated levels of bromomethane has been associated with adverse developmental, nervous system, and respiratory outcomes and genotoxicity.
EPA MCLG Level
8.34 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for bromomethane have been developed based on adverse respiratory and developmental effects observed in animal studies. Evidence from human and animal studies indicates that exposure to bromomethane via inhalation is associated with neurotoxicity. Bromomethane has also been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Naturally produced in oceans and released into air
- Other sources of bromomethane in drinking water include soil leachate and contamination from manufacturing and processing facilities
- More likely present in groundwater because it easily evaporates from surface water
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Dibromomethane:
EPA MCLG Level
The EPA MCLG 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
Dibromomethane is classified as a Disinfection Byproducts contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the nervous-system, developmental, and other systems.
Check Your Water
Find out if Dibromomethane is in your tap water.
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