Why are DBPs in drinking water an important public health issue?
When people consume disinfection byproducts at levels exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) over many years, they increase their risk of developing bladder cancer. Other health effects that may be associated with exposure to DBPs include rectal and colon cancer. Adverse developmental and reproductive effects associated with exposure to disinfection byproducts during pregnancy are a concern. They have been studied with mixed results; however, the weight of evidence of the health effects data suggests a potential association.
