Water Quality in Richardson, TX

What is Perfluorodecanoic 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. PFDA has been used in coatings on food packaging, furniture, upholstery, and carpeting, and as a lubricant, plasticizer, and corrosion inhibitor. Like many other PFAS, PFDA is resistant to breakdown in the environment and the body. High levels of ingested PFDA may result in adverse liver, developmental, and immune effects, but research on the health effects of PFDA is still ongoing.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFDA is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have found associations with PFDA exposure and decreased antibody response to vaccines as well as increases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol'). Animal studies have also demonstrated associations between PFDA levels and liver toxicity, as well as developmental effects (low birth weight and offspring mortality).

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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 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 n Nitrosodimethylamine?

n-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a volatile organic compound that occurs in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection using chlorine or chloramines. It was once used to produce liquid rocket fuel, antioxidants, softeners, and lubricants. NDMA is readily volatile, thus all routes of exposure (ingestion, inhalation and dermal) are relevant if one is exposed via drinking water.

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for NDMA have been developed based on a potential increased risk of cancer. The EPA classifies NDMA as a probable human carcinogen.

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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 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.

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What is Cyanide?

Cyanide is a chemical compound that contains a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. It is highly toxic and can exist in various forms, including gaseous hydrogen cyanide and solid cyanide salts. Cyanide is often used in industrial processes, such as mining and electroplating, and can also be found in certain plants and seeds.

Health Effects

Exposure to cyanide can lead to serious health effects, including respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure can result in neurological damage and other long-term health issues.

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