Chemical Disinfectants

Chloramine

Chloramine is a disinfectant used primarily to treat drinking water as an alternative to chlorine. It is formed by combining chlorine and ammonia and is used to control microbial growth. It is not a food ingredient for consumption but a water treatment chemical.

Tracked contaminantUpdated Nov 27, 2023

Health score-3.0

-5Poor5

Water guidelines

Legal limit: 4 mg/L
Health guideline: 3 mg/L

Food and supplement guidelines

Legal limit: Not specified
Health guideline: Not specified

Risks

Respiratory irritation, skin irritation, potential formation of harmful disinfection by-products, possible toxic effects at high levels

Benefits

Effective water disinfectant, longer-lasting residual disinfectant in distribution systems compared to chlorine, reduces formation of some harmful chlorinated by-products