Toxins

The Hidden Risk in 90 Percent of America’s Drinking Water—And How to Reduce It

While chlorine and other disinfectants keep tap water free of deadly pathogens, their chemical byproducts carry uncertain risks.
The Hidden Risk in 90 Percent of America’s Drinking Water—And How to Reduce It
Dado Photos/Shutterstock
Kimberly Drake
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In the United States, 90 percent of Americans get the water they need from public drinking water systems that harbor disinfection byproducts, most of which are unregulated and understudied.

Disinfection byproducts form as a result of chemical treatments that water companies use to keep water free of dangerous pathogens. Some byproducts may increase the risk of cancer.

Kimberly Drake
Kimberly Drake
Author
Kimberly Drake is a health journalist and newspaper columnist with a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Medical News Today, and other online and print publications. She also serves as governance board vice president for two charter schools for autistic students.