What are the Side Effects of Chloramine in Drinking Water?
You might not have ever thought you’d ask yourself, “What are the side effects of chloramine in drinking water?” But you should. This chemical can result in potentially serious issues, not only with your health, but also your home’s plumbing. It can even be dangerous for fish and other forms of aquatic life. Have an Aquarius Home Services professional check your water to see if you have a problem. If you do, we’ll tell you about Kinetico water purification products that will knock this problem out of your water supply once and for all.
Issues Caused by Chloramine
Serious Problems
Chloramine is a disinfectant that is commonly used in drinking water treatment to kill bacteria and viruses. While it’s an effective way to ensure that drinking water is safe, there are some potential side effects of chloramine that can be harmful to human health if it gets into your water./*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 28-02-2024 */<br /><br>.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}
Skin Irritation
One of the most common side effects of chloramine in drinking water is skin irritation. Chloramine can cause dryness, itching, and redness of the skin, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. This is because chloramine can strip the natural oils from the skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable to irritation.
Respiratory Problems
Another potential side effect is respiratory problems, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Chloramine can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Eye Irritation
Chloramine can also cause irritation to the eyes, leading to redness, itching and burning sensations. This is because chloramine can cause the eyes to become dry and sensitive, which can be particularly problematic for contact lens wearers.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Chloramine can also cause gastrointestinal issues, particularly in individuals with sensitive stomachs. Drinking water that contains high levels of chloramine can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Formation of Disinfection Byproducts
Another major problem with chloramine in drinking water is that they can develop substances known as disinfection byproducts, or DBPs. When chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water, it can create harmful DBPs. These include haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs). Both of them could increase the risk of developing cancer as well as other health problems.
Harmful to Fish and Aquatic Life
Chloramine can also be harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Fish are particularly sensitive to chloramine, and exposure to high levels of the disinfectant can cause gill damage and even death. This is a particular concern for fish owners who use tap water to fill their tanks.
Can Damage Plumbing
Finally, chloramine can be corrosive to pipes and plumbing fixtures. Over time, exposure to chloramine can cause pipes to deteriorate, leading to leaks and other plumbing problems. This can be particularly problematic for older homes with aging plumbing systems.
While chloramine is an effective disinfectant for drinking water, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects. If you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water, it is important to have it tested by a professional to identify any potential issues and ensure that it is safe to drink.
Get in Touch
Hopefully, we’ve helped answer the question, “What are the side effects of chloramine in drinking water?” If you’d like more information, call Aquarius Home Services at 833-659-8751 or use our online contact form.