Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are chemical compounds commonly used as solvents or refrigerants. They are both carcinogenic and environmental pollutants. Through the haloform reaction, the chemical reaction produces some of these chemical compounds.

While inhaling small amounts of trihalomethanes isn’t as dangerous compared to ingesting the chemical compounds, there are health effects associated with THMs. Consuming high levels of THMs in drinking water may affect your lung, kidneys, liver, central nervous system, and heart. Prolonged exposure to dibromochloromethane, one of the four chief constituents of trihalomethanes, is linked to cancer.

These water pollutants get in the water in the form of the by-product of the chlorination process of drinking water. THMs are the result of the chemical reaction of bromine or chlorine with any organic matter present in the treated water. Traces of THMs in small amounts are found in swimming pools in the form of chloroform.

There are several ways to remove THMs in drinking water. However, the easiest and most convenient way to eliminate the water pollutant is through the use of granular activated carbon (GAC.) Since most of the water filter products nowadays utilize activated carbon in their filter chambers, you should consider getting one for your protection. Make sure that the water filtration unit you purchase is reliable and efficient in removing THMs to below the Maximum Contamination Level or MCL.