The research was conducted by a team from the University of Arkansas and was funded by the National Science Foundation, among other organizations.

Understanding the formation pathways of harmful chemicals like chloronitramide is essential for mitigating health risks associated with drinking water.

While the toxicity of chloronitramide anion remains uncertain, estimates suggest it is likely toxic, prompting calls for additional research.

Chloramine is often preferred over chlorine for water treatment because it produces fewer regulated byproducts linked to health issues such as bladder cancer.

Julian Fairey, the lead researcher, has been studying chloronitramide for over a decade, highlighting the significance of identifying harmful chemicals in drinking water.

Experts emphasize the importance of water utilities minimizing exposure to potential contaminants and staying updated with ongoing research developments.

Despite the known risks associated with chlorine, it remains widely used due to the significant public health benefits of clean drinking water.

The presence of chloronitramide anion is expected in chlorinated drinking waters due to the chemical processes involved in water treatment.

A recent study published in the journal Science has identified a previously unknown compound, chloronitramide anion, in drinking water treated with inorganic chloramines, over 40 years after its initial detection.

Chloronitramide anion was found in concentrations up to 100 micrograms per liter in some U.S. water systems treated with chloramines, exceeding regulatory limits for disinfection by-products.

Experts are concerned about the widespread presence of chloronitramide anion in treated water, highlighting the need for further examination due to potential health risks.

Future research on chloronitramide will be crucial in guiding the EPA's decisions regarding drinking water standards and the potential regulation of chloramines.