Water Quality in South Easton, MA

What is Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA)?

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

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DBA are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified DBA 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.

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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 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 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 Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. PFHxS has been used in protective coatings for carpets, paints, and textiles and as a surfactant in industrial processes. It may also be found in food contact papers, fire-fighting foams, and cleaning products. PFHxS production has been phased out in the US, but ongoing concerns exist due to its high persistence in the environment and the body, legacy uses, and presence in imported goods. Exposure to elevated PFHxS levels may result in adverse effects to the thyroid and liver.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFHxS is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have identified that PFHxS exposure may be associated with immunosuppression (i.e. reduced antibody response, impacting vaccine efficiency). Animal studies suggest PFHxS may cause increased liver weight, as well as adverse effects to thyroid hormone levels, and motor development.

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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