Chloroform
City of Havre De Grace
Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Read More.
In addition to tap water disinfection, chloroform pollution in the environment also comes from industrial discharges from pulp and paper mills, and from urban wastewater effluent. Human studies show that chloroform damages the kidneys, liver and central nervous system. In animals, chloroform causes infertility, birth defects and cancer.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 20.1 ppb | 1 | 1 | 20.1 ppb |
| 2019 | 35.7 ppb | 1 | 1 | 35.7 ppb |
| 2020 | 14.0 ppb | 1 | 1 | 14.0 ppb |
| 2021 | 20.2 ppb | 1 | 1 | 20.2 ppb |
| 2022 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | 17.2 ppb | 1 | 1 | 17.2 ppb |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 0.4 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-11-05 | E19001555006 | 20.1 ppb |
| 2019-07-17 | E20000222012 | 35.7 ppb |
| 2020-04-22 | E20003439004 | 14.0 ppb |
| 2021-06-14 | E21003693001 | 20.2 ppb |
| 2023-07-12 | E2300341901 | 17.2 ppb |