What does DBP stand for?

Since the discovery of disinfection byproducts in 1974, scientists have sought ways to lessen the cancer risks.

Other actions include tweaking the chlorine levels to minimize the amount of disinfection byproduct, considering more frequent water main flushing and modifying th Copyright : Euclid Infotech Pvt.

We're in the steep part of the learning curve in terms of really understanding the complexities of the water chemistry in swimming pools," says Ernest "Chip" Blatchley, a Purdue University engineering professor and leading researcher of the disinfection byproducts that crop up in pools.

In an upcoming Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers also report finding 28 disinfection byproducts not previously detected.

But an ozone system is very expensive to install and operate, so MWD postponed the new system until required to meet water-quality rules designed to cut disinfection byproducts.

While the filtration and separation segment is expected to continue to account for a large majority of demand, disinfection equipment is projected to register faster growth as water treatment operators turn to nonchemical techniques, both to assure that water is clean and sale, and to reduce reliance on chlorine and other chemicals in the interest of workplace safety and reducing risks posed by disinfection byproducts.

Milbourn added that the EPA "has an ongoing health-research program to provide additional scientific insight into the potential risks posed by disinfection byproducts.

The agency also is setting new quality standards for three types of disinfection byproduct -- bromate, chlorite and haloacetic acids.