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Threats to Human Health: Use of Chlorine, an Obsolete Treatment Technology

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Global Drinking Water Management and Conservation

Part of the book series: Springer Water ((SPWA))

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on the long-term health effects of using chlorine in untreated water. We review a select set of epidemiological studies of health impacts in humans from exposure to DBPs, including cancer, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, blood lead levels, as well as estrogenic effects. We also discuss the current management practices in some developed countries, including USA, Canada, and some EU countries, such as Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In 1974, Rook (1974) first discovered DBPs in the Netherlands.

  2. 2.

    Currently, 11 DBPs are regulated by USEPA, including four THMs, five HAAs, Bromate, and Chlorite.

  3. 3.

    Personal communication by E-mail, from Dr M. Scheemann, Hamburg.

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  1. Department of Economics, Climate Change Lab Brock University, St Catharines, ON, Canada

    Mohammed H. Dore

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  1. Mohammed H. Dore
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Correspondence to Mohammed H. Dore .

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Dore, M.H. (2015). Threats to Human Health: Use of Chlorine, an Obsolete Treatment Technology. In: Global Drinking Water Management and Conservation. Springer Water. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11032-5_9

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