Philadelphia Tap Water Quality Report

What is Lead?

Naturally occurring heavy metal commonly found in tap water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for oral exposure to lead are based on delays in physical or mental development for children and infants, and impacts to the kidneys and high blood pressure for adults. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. In adults, lead can lead to hypertension, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, decreased kidney function and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a probable human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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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 Perfluorooctanesulfonic 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. It is found in fabrics, fire-fighting foams, cleaning products, hydraulic fluids, metal plating, and paper. Although PFOS production has been phased out in the US, exposure is still a major concern due to its high degree of persistence in the environment and in the body as well as the use of legacy products and imported goods. Many adverse health effects have been linked to PFOS exposure, including developmental, liver, and immunological problems and increased cancer risk. EPA has found that there is suggestive evidence that PFOS is a human carcinogen.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFOS is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have shown associations between elevated PFOS levels and increased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') as well as immune toxicity (decreased antibody response). Animal studies indicate that PFOS exposure is related to adverse developmental effects, liver toxicity, immune toxicity, and an increased risk of liver and pancreatic cancer.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Perfluorooctanoic acid?

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that belongs to a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is used in various industrial applications and consumer products for its water- and grease-resistant properties.

Health Effects

Exposure to PFOA has been linked to several health issues, including developmental effects in fetuses, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer.

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 Chlorine (Total)?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.

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 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 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

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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.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards