CNN has learned of scientists' discovery of a dangerous chemical in U.S. water supplies

A group of researchers has identified a chemical that has been present in the drinking tap water of about 113 million people in the United States for decades. This was reported by CNN on November 21.

According to the channel, scientists have found a chemical compound - anion of chloronitramide, which was discovered about 40 years ago, but identified only now. The substance is a byproduct of the decomposition of chloramine, a chemical that many wastewater treatment plants use to make water safe to drink.

"About 113 million people drink tap water that exposes them to the chlorinitramide anion," CNN reported.

It is noted that the toxicity of the compound is not known at this time, further studies are needed.

Earlier, on November 3, Mayor Eric Adams of New York urged residents to save "every drop" of water because of the drought in the past October. The head of the city added that he instructed his office to prepare plans to save water resources.

Before that, on June 26, CNBC said that drinking water in America is threatened by cyberattacks. It is reported that it could damage infrastructure, disrupt the availability of drinking water, and change the level of chemicals in it.

In April 2023, the U.S. National Health Service reported the start of a drinking water shortage. At that time, high levels of lead were found in some local schools. Experts noted that the problem was in worn-out pipes installed back in the 19th century. According to experts, they have not been repaired for decades.