HALOACETIC ACIDS

        Haloacetic Acids. What are Haloacetic Acids? Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are organic compounds containing chlorine and/or bromine. The compounds are formed from naturally occurring organic substances during chlorination. The HAAs of significance in disinfected water are chloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, as well as some brominated forms.
        What are the Health Effects of Haloacetic Acids? Animal studies have demonstrated that dichloroacetic acid causes adverse effects on the brain, testes and eyes. Less is known about trichloroacetic acid and the brominated acids.

        How may I be Exposed to Haloacetic Acids? Low levels of haloacetic acids are present in chlorinated drinking water supplies due to the presence of naturally occurring organic matter, particularly amino acids, in source water which react with chlorine.

        Are the Levels of Haloacetic Acids in Drinking Water Dangerous to my Health? The results of toxicity tests suggest that safe levels of HAAs in water for adults consuming 2 liters of water a day are 420 µg/L for dichloroacetic acid and 175 µg/L for trichloroacetic acid. The USEPA is currently introducing regulations that will limit the total level of HAAs (5 types) to 60 µg/L.




Source: http://www.ci.sf.ca.us/puc/wqfs/tocsec4.htm