Trihalomethane: Difference between revisions

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Group of chemical compounds

Trihalomethanes

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are chemical compounds in which three of the four hydrogen atoms of methane (CH_) are replaced by halogen atoms. The general formula for trihalomethanes is CHX_, where X represents a halogen atom, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine.

Formation

Trihalomethanes are often formed as a byproduct of water chlorination, a process used to disinfect drinking water. When chlorine or other disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water, trihalomethanes can be produced. The presence of THMs in drinking water is a concern due to their potential health effects.

Health effects

Exposure to trihalomethanes has been associated with various health risks. Some studies suggest a link between long-term exposure to THMs and an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer. Additionally, there may be reproductive and developmental effects associated with THM exposure.

Regulation

Due to their potential health risks, the concentration of trihalomethanes in drinking water is regulated in many countries. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in drinking water at 80 parts per billion (ppb).

Types of trihalomethanes

There are several common types of trihalomethanes, each with different halogen atoms:

Fluoroform (CHF_)
Chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF_)
Chloroform (CHCl_)
Bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl_)
Dibromochloromethane (CHBr_Cl)
Bromoform (CHBr_)
Iodoform (CHI_)

Related pages

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Top_dying_disease''' is a [[plant disease]] that affects [[mahogany]] trees, causing the top branches to die off. It is caused by a [[fungus]] known as ''[[Hypoxylon]] samuelsii''.
+{{short description|Group of chemical compounds}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Causes ==
+== Trihalomethanes ==
+[[File:Fluoroform-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Fluoroform]]
+[[File:Chlorodifluoromethane-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Chlorodifluoromethane]]
+[[File:Chloroform-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Chloroform]]
+[[File:Bromodichloromethane-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Bromodichloromethane]]
+[[File:Dibromochloromethane-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Dibromochloromethane]]
+[[File:Bromoform-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Bromoform]]
+[[File:Iodoform-3D-vdW.png|thumb|right|Iodoform]]
-The disease is caused by the fungus ''Hypoxylon samuelsii''. The fungus infects the tree through wounds or cracks in the bark, then grows into the wood, causing the top branches to die off. The disease is most common in mahogany trees that are stressed due to drought or other environmental factors.
+'''Trihalomethanes''' (THMs) are chemical compounds in which three of the four hydrogen atoms of [[methane]] (CH_) are replaced by [[halogen]] atoms. The general formula for trihalomethanes is CHX_, where X represents a halogen atom, such as [[fluorine]], [[chlorine]], [[bromine]], or [[iodine]].
-== Symptoms ==
+== Formation ==
+Trihalomethanes are often formed as a byproduct of [[water chlorination]], a process used to disinfect drinking water. When chlorine or other disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water, trihalomethanes can be produced. The presence of THMs in drinking water is a concern due to their potential health effects.
-The first sign of top-dying disease is usually the death of the top branches of the tree. This is followed by the death of lower branches, until the entire tree is dead. The bark of the infected tree may also show signs of infection, such as discoloration or the presence of fungal fruiting bodies.
+== Health effects ==
+Exposure to trihalomethanes has been associated with various health risks. Some studies suggest a link between long-term exposure to THMs and an increased risk of [[cancer]], particularly [[bladder cancer]]. Additionally, there may be reproductive and developmental effects associated with THM exposure.
-== Treatment ==
+== Regulation ==
+Due to their potential health risks, the concentration of trihalomethanes in drinking water is regulated in many countries. For example, the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in drinking water at 80 parts per billion (ppb).
-There is currently no known treatment for top-dying disease. The best way to prevent the disease is to keep mahogany trees healthy and stress-free. This can be achieved by providing the trees with adequate water and nutrients, and by protecting them from pests and diseases.
+== Types of trihalomethanes ==
+There are several common types of trihalomethanes, each with different halogen atoms:
-== See also ==
+* '''Fluoroform''' (CHF_)
+* '''Chlorodifluoromethane''' (CHClF_)
+* '''Chloroform''' (CHCl_)
+* '''Bromodichloromethane''' (CHBrCl_)
+* '''Dibromochloromethane''' (CHBr_Cl)
+* '''Bromoform''' (CHBr_)
+* '''Iodoform''' (CHI_)
-* [[Plant pathology]]
+== Related pages ==
-* [[Fungal diseases of plants]]
+* [[Haloform reaction]]
-* [[Mahogany]]
+* [[Disinfection by-product]]
+* [[Water purification]]
 == References ==
+{{reflist}}
-<references />
+[[Category:Halomethanes]]
+[[Category:Water chemistry]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Environmental chemistry]]
-[[Category:Plant diseases]]
-[[Category:Fungal diseases]]
-[[Category:Mahogany]]