A primary reason for switching from chlorine to chloramine was to lower the amount of chlorophenols formed from reactions with waste chems from the electrical industry , present in the water supply to many industrial cities worldwide.
A study linked these compounds to male bladder cancer , these are still listed in measurable amounts in my supply despite 30 years of pollution control.
A study linked these compounds to male bladder cancer , these are still listed in measurable amounts in my supply despite 30 years of pollution control.
Monochloramine is 200 times less effective as a disinfectant than chlorine, but is an attractive alternative since it does not react as readily with organic materials to form THMs. Many water utilities overcome the decreased efficiency of monochloramine by adding ammonia following the chlorine application. This increases biocidal efficiency, but also increases the risk of THM formation.