What is the main health concern associated with Total Trihalomethanes in drinking water?

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are a group of chemical compounds that can form when chlorine, a common disinfectant used in water treatment, reacts with organic matter in the water. The primary health concern linked to TTHMs is their potential to increase the risk of cancer, specifically bladder and colorectal cancers, when consumed over long periods. This concern arises from studies indicating that chronic exposure to elevated levels of TTHMs in drinking water may lead to carcinogenic effects in humans. Consequently, regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), set guidelines and maximum allowable levels for TTHMs in drinking water to help mitigate these health risks. Other health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, or liver failure, are not directly associated with TTHMs in the same manner, which is why the focus remains primarily on cancer risk.