Changes in Blood Trihalomethane Concentrations Resulting From Differences in Water Quality and Water Use Activities

Abstract

Water disinfection is extremely important for the protection of public health; however, it also forms by-products, including trihalomethanes (THMs). Previous studies of health effects from disinfection by-products have lacked accurate methods to quantify exposure over time. As a first step in establishing a better system for exposure assessment, the authors investigated which household water use activities cause a significant increase in internal dose concentrations of THMs. In this study, 7 subjects in 2 different cities carried out 12 common activities that involved water use. In 3 of these activities-bathing, showering, and washing dishes by hand-the blood concentrations of THMs increased substantially. Further analysis of the data suggested that tap water concentrations primarily controlled the blood concentrations from bathing exposure, whereas tap water concentrations and ambient air concentrations resulting from water use affected the blood concentrations from showering exposure. Further studies will focus on variables in these activities that can alter exposure.

Potassium-Solubilizing Microorganism in Evergreen Agriculture: An Overview

“…Its deficiency caused a reduction in photosynthesis; blackening of tubers in the case of potato and tips or margin of lower leaves of legumes, cotton, maize, and tobacco; and either scorching or burning of all small grains (Ashley et al 2005). Potassium plays a significant role in the maintenance of cellular organizations for regulating permeability of cell membranes and also keeping the protoplasm in a proper degree of hydration.…”

Overview of Disinfection By-products and Associated Health Effects

“…Pharmacokinetics differs among exposure routes [37]. Experimental studies in volunteers have shown a larger internal dose and longer duration in the bloodstream from activities involving inhalation and dermal absorption compared to ingestion [36,37]. As such, a proper exposure assessment should include ingestion and noningestion activities involving water contact in order to ascertain the relevant exposure window (Table 1).…”

“…Trihalomethanes have been used in epidemiological studies as surrogates of total DBP content, although correlations among specific DBPs are variable [35]. Given that THMs (as well as other DBPs) are volatile and skin permeable, the exposure pathways are numerous, and include ingestion of water, inhalation and skin absorption while showering, bathing, swimming in treated pools, and hand dish-washing [36]. Pharmacokinetics differs among exposure routes [37].…”

Safe Drinking Water? Effect of Wastewater Inputs and Source Water Impairment and Implications for Water Reuse

“…THMs, HAAs, and haloketones have been measured in human blood, urine, or exhaled breath after showering, bathing, or swimming [131,133,135,136,142,143,146,149]. Inhalation can sometimes give much higher exposure to volatile chemicals.…”

“…Inhalation and dermal exposure to DBPs and CECs can occur during showering, bathing, and swimming in chlorinated swimming pools [131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148]. THMs, HAAs, and haloketones have been measured in human blood, urine, or exhaled breath after showering, bathing, or swimming [131,133,135,136,142,143,146,149].…”