Water disinfection: microbes versus molecules - an introduction of issues

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3430365· OSTI ID:5785379

If the chemicals used to rid drinking water of disease-causing microbes are themselves potentially harmful, is drinking water safe. What trade-offs are acceptable with respect to microbial versus chemical water quality. This conference deals with current thinking about these topics. The subjects discussed reflect the evolution of thinking, both scientifically and socially, about how best to supply the public with safe, pure potable water. The goal of this paper is to introduce the issues associated with disinfectants and disinfectant by-products in water. This will be done by presenting a historical overview of the use of chemical disinfectants to purify drinking water and the subsequent awareness of potential health concerns. Historically, the major health issue associated with water has been the demonstrated role that water has played in spreading infectious disease. Waterborne infectious agents remain in the environment, and new ones emerge through evolution of humans and microorganisms and because of changing exposure patterns.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5785379
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 69; ISSN EVHPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINATION
CONTROL
DRINKING WATER
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HALOGENATION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
WATER
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WATER QUALITY
WATER TREATMENT