Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Group of contaminants that are primarily formed as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter
Health Guideline Level (HGL)
0.06 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for total haloacetic acids have been developed based on elevated risk of bladder cancer observed in epidemiological studies. Individual HAAs have also been associated with developmental, male reproductive, and liver toxicity, as well as genotoxicity based on animal studies.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systems
- More commonly found in surface water sources, which have higher organic matter content
- Can also enter drinking water through chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing and, at much lower levels, via natural processes
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5):
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
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is classified as a Disinfection Byproducts contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the developmental, reproductive-m, and other systems.
Check Your Water
Find out if Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is in your tap water.
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