Why are chloramines toxic to fish?
Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia, both of which are toxic to fish. When people, animals, or birds swallow water that contains chloramines, the chlorine and ammonia is neutralized by the digestive system before it reaches the blood stream. Fish and other marine life, however, dont just swallow water they breathe it. When the water contains chloramines, these substances enter directly into the blood stream and chemically bind to iron in the red blood cells, which makes if difficult for those cells to carry oxygen. Eventually, fish may suffocate from lack of oxygen.
