Health Risks of Chlorination - is there a Problem? (original) (raw)

CHLORINE is an effective and reliable disinfectant whose use in the treatment of drinking water has ensured water of high microbiological quality. Although the benefits of chlorination are beyond doubt, the fact that chlorine reacts with many of the organic substances in raw waters forming some substances of potential risk to health has led to concern and has stimulated a series of investigations. These investigations have used a variety of approaches and techniques, including advanced organic analysis, epidemiology, and toxicology. The paper reviews this research and discusses some of the factors affecting the risks associated with drinking chlorinated water. This papcr was prcsented at the final IWES Summer Conference in Torquay, Devon from 15)-21 May 1987. It was accepted for publication on 18 June 1987. A11 the authors are with the Environmental Health and Toxicology Department of WRc Environment. Mr Fawell is Head of Toxicology, MI Fielding is Head of Organic Contaminants. and Dr Ridgeway is Manager.