Trihalomethane
Trihalomethane
Trihalomethanes (pronunciation: /traɪˈhæloʊˌmiːθeɪnz/) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water.
Etymology
The term "trihalomethane" is derived from the Greek words "tri" meaning three, "halo" meaning salt, and "methane", a type of hydrocarbon. The name refers to the structure of these chemicals, which includes a methane molecule with three of its hydrogen atoms replaced by halogen atoms.
Types of Trihalomethanes
The four types of trihalomethanes are chloroform (CHCl3), bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl2), dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl), and bromoform (CHBr3). These are often referred to as "total trihalomethanes" or TTHM in water testing and reporting.
Health Effects
Exposure to trihalomethanes in drinking water has been associated with several adverse health effects. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and may also have effects on the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Related Terms
- Disinfection Byproducts: These are formed when disinfectants used in water treatment react with naturally occurring materials in the water.
- Chlorination: This is a method of water purification where chlorine is added to water to disinfect it and kill bacteria and other microbes.
- Halogen: These are a group of five chemically related elements: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trihalomethane
- Wikipedia's article - Trihalomethane
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