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Disinfection byproducts · in your tap water

Dibromoacetic acid

Brominated HAA — flagged for reproductive concern

FamilyDisinfection byproducts
Where it comes fromBromide-rich source water + chlorine
Best fixActivated carbon

What it is

A brominated haloacetic acid. IARC classifies it as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic to humans (Monographs Vol. 101) — and the U.S. National Toxicology Program lists it as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.'

Brominated HAAs are the more concerning sub-group. Removed the same way.

What you might notice & the health concern

Where it comes from

What actually removes it

Not sure which system you need? Our reverse-osmosis and whole-home pages compare the options, or book a free Home Water Checkup and we'll test your actual tap.

The research

Every source below was checked to make sure the link works and backs the claim it's next to. These are the primary regulators and peer-reviewed studies — not our opinion.

1
Dibromoacetic Acid — IARC Monographs Vol. 101 IARC / NCBI Bookshelf

IARC classifies dibromoacetic acid as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans).

2
Haloacetic Acids Found as Water Disinfection Byproducts — 15th Report on Carcinogens U.S. National Toxicology Program

Lists several haloacetic acids as 'reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.'

3
Analysis of Cumulative Cancer Risk Associated with Disinfection Byproducts in U.S. Drinking Water Evans et al., Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2020)

Peer-reviewed basis for EWG's health guidelines; finds brominated byproducts the most carcinogenic.

Related on your report

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This page is general water-quality education, not medical advice. Health classifications and limits are attributed to the EPA, EWG, IARC, ATSDR/CDC, WHO and the cited studies. Contaminant levels vary by water system and home — the only way to know what's in your water is to test it. Prepared by SwiftPro Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.