Trihalomethanes (THMs)

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are known as a group of chemical compounds that can form when chlorine, chloramines and other disinfectants are used to treat water that contain organic matter. Trihalomethanes are a concern to the health and wellbeing as they have been linked to certain cancers and reproductive problems. Trihalomethanes are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter such as decaying plant material or waste from animal or humans. The most regularly found forms of trihalomethanes in water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform. These known forms of trihalomethanes have certain levels found in drinking water, which are regulated by the environmental protection agency (EPA) to ensure that they do not exceed safe levels. However, it is important to note that long-term exposure to even low levels of trihalomethanes can still pose risks to health. To reduce the exposure to trihalomethanes in drinking water, it is important to use appropriate filtration methods such as activated carbon filters which will aid in the removal or reduction.