Reproductive Toxicology of Disinfection By-Products

Reproductive toxicology of disinfection by-products.

The chronic exposure of large segments of the population to disinfected drinking water has necessitated an evaluation of the health effects of the by-products of the chlorination process. This paper reviews the available information concerning the reproductive consequences associated with exposure to disinfection by-products. Four groups of compounds are discussed: the trihalomethanes, in parti...

Reproductive toxicology.

Disinfection By-products: A Question of Balance

By all accounts, disinfection of drinking water is one of the major public health triumphs of the 20th century. No human endeavor, however, is without risk; more than 30 years ago it was determined that chlori­ nation of water resulted in formation of disinfection by­products (DBPs). Several of these, such as the trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), were subsequently observed to ...

Mutagenic activity of disinfection by-products.

Data on raw water quality, disinfection treatment practices, and the resulting mutagenic properties of the treated water were compiled from pilot- and full-scale treatment experiments to evaluate that parameter which might produce variability in the results of a mutagenic study. Analysis of the data and comparison of treatment practices indicated that the measured mutagenic activity is strongly...

Reproductive and developmental effects of disinfection by-products in drinking water.

Recent epidemiologic studies have reported associations between the consumption of chlorinated drinking water and reproductive and developmental effects. Here we review the available epidemiologic data, assess the hazard potential posed by exposure to disinfection by-products, identify critical data gaps, and offer recommendations for further research. The epidemiologic evidence supporting asso...