Water disinfection by-products have the potential to harm a developing fetus. For example, some studies have shown a link between Trihalomethanes (THM) and neural tube defects. Other studies have linked chlorine in drinking water with birth defects.
What are Trihalomethanes? They form a group of chemicals that include bromoform, bromodichloromethane, chloroform, and dibromochloromethane. These chemicals form when chlorine is used as a disinfecting agent in water and reacts with organic and inorganic matter. Using another disinfecting agent seems like an obvious solution, but other disinfectants form harmful by-products as well.
Women with high THM exposure may have double the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy, according to some studies. As if that’s not enough bad news, THM exposure may also increase miscarriage risk. Some studies show evidence that a woman who drinks at least five glasses of water with high levels of THM daily may have more than a 6-percent increase in miscarriage risk when compared with those drinking less tap water or tap water that contains less THM.
Of course, there are other harmful substances flowing from many taps. Arsenic in drinking water, for example, can contribute to spontaneous abortions and low birth weights. Nitrates can cause neural tube defects and other problems. Lead and organic compounds can also have damaging effects on the developing fetus.
Despite the risks of drinking water that has been disinfected, drinking untreated water can be even more dangerous. Drinking water that has not been disinfected is more likely to cause serious illness and death than drinking treated water. Instead of taking such risks, a pregnant woman can protect her health and her baby by purchasing a water filtration system. Keep in mind, however, that these systems are not all equal in quality and efficiency. It’s crucial to choose one that is NSF certified to remove Trihalomethanes and other contaminants.
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