Do disinfection byproducts affect development and reproduction of laboratory animals?
Most researches carried out on reproduction effects of disinfection byproducts aim at birth defects and spontaneous abortion. Little research has been carried out on effects on male reproduction. An American research shows that bromodichloromethane (BDCM) and chloral hydrate (CH) lower the speed and mobility of sperm in laboratory rats. The effect of BDCM at low concentrations is stronger than the effect of CH or other disinfection byproducts that lower sperm speed. (Klinefelter, 1996) Research of the effect of a combination of disinfection byproducts on rats In 2002 American researchers looked at the carcinogenity of a mixture of disinfection byproducts on rats. Aim of this research was to see whether the carcinogenity of different disinfection byproducts would be increased in a mixture and what the effect was of long-term exposure to low concentrations disinfection byproducts. Eker rats, which are sensitive to effects of renal carcinogenic substances, were used. Both male and female
