What are the health effects of chloramine exposure?
Drinking water chloramine levels that meet the EPA standard are associated with minimal to no risk and should be considered safe. Some people who use water containing chloramine well in excess of the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chloramine well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort or anemia. Did EPA examine inhalation and dermal studies in developing the drinking water health goal for chloramine? Yes. In 1994, EPA examined inhalation and dermal studies on chloramine when determining the health goal (the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal or MRDLG), but there was not much information available. These studies covered both human clinical cases and animal studies and are summarized in the criteria document for chloramine. EPA is in the process of conducting a new literature search, and if additional information is found, the Agency would expect to upda
