First detected 40 years ago, a byproduct in chloraminated drinking water has finally been identified

The nature of an ‘unidentified product’ in drinking water disinfected with chloramines, which serves over 113 million people in the US alone, has finally been revealed by researchers in the US and Switzerland. Despite First detected almost 40 years ago, the molecular ion, called chloronitramide, has never been characterised before, so its toxicology is unknown. However, its concentration in some samples of tap water taken in areas such as California and Texas and its similarity to harmful molecules warrant investigation, the researchers warn. The discovery could also add to previous concerns about the use of chloramines to sterilise tap water.