A recent analysis suggests that chlorinating drinking water at levels common in the US and EU is linked to increased cancer risks. While it effectively reduces infections, it produces harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), which may heighten bladder cancer risk by 33% and colorectal cancer risk by 15%. The study reveals concerning levels of THMs affecting nearly 300 million people. Historically, chlorination has improved public health since the early 1900s, but studies show alarming cancer risks associated with certain concentrations, prompting calls for further research on its safety and long-term health impacts.
Chlorination of drinking water is a cost-effective method to reduce infections but poses cancer risks, with heightened chances for bladder and colorectal cancers.
While disinfecting water dramatically improved public health in the early 1900s, recent findings indicate that byproducts from this process may significantly increase cancer risks.
Collection
[
|
...
]