Chlorine and other types of disinfectants kill harmful bacteria and viruses, and are used to ensure that tap water remains pathogen-free and safe to drink.SINGAPORE — Scientists are studying whether a chemical compound found in minute traces in tap water here could be harmful if ingested in larger amounts.
Professor Shane Snyder, Newri's executive director, said: "The DPG-chlorine by-product is not an immediate cause for concern in Singapore, as the concentrations found in tap water here were much lower than what would be expected in other countries. Both WHO and the US EPA do not have any guidelines for DPG or any of the disinfection-related by-products, due to the lack of any credible evidence.
Replicating PUB's water treatment processes, the team found that the treatment system was robust enough to remove all traces of DPG and 6PPD, even if they had been present in the water. The DPG-chlorine by-product was found to be the most harmful when tested on a human cell, said Prof Snyder.