The Irish Times has reported that the Irish government has recently admitted to excess levels of trihalomethane in our water supply.
Trihalomethane, in case you didn't know (we didn't) are environmental pollutants and many are considered to be cancerous.
According to the report, these toxins can appear in our drinking water as a result of a reaction between organic materials, such as peaty soil, and chlorine, which is added as a disinfectant.
The acceptable levels of trihalomethane are set out by the
EU Drinking Water Directive and the
World Health Organisation.
However, our government has told the European Commission this week that approximately 400,000 people on Irish Water supplies are 'possibly affected' by levels of Trihalomethane in excess of what is considered safe.
400,000.
I'm sure that I am not alone when I muse that their commitment to 'providing long-term solutions' to this problem makes my blood run cold.
In response to this article, long-time campaigner against environmental pollutants, Erin Brockovich, has posted this further clarification of Trihalomethanes to her
Facebook page:
"My Irish cousins... trihalomethanes may result in increased cancer levels after long periods of consumption... but please don't be fooled by this dodge of responsibility and factual sharing of information by your government!
Trihalomethanes are far more dangerous to pregnant women. Studies have demonstrated woman exposed to Drinking Water over 80 ug/L of trihalomethanes expense a greater risk for miscarriage in the first trimester and low birth weight in the second and third trimester... beware of very real "short term" exposure!"
While it is it as yet unclear which areas of Ireland are thought to be affected by these dangerous levels of Trhalomethanes, I think it is safe to say that if you are pregnant and worried about this, then it might be safer to avoid the tap water for now.
As someone who isn't pregnant, I can tell you that I won't be drinking it either.
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