GENERAL INFORMATION
Epichlorohydrin is a colorless organic gas with a sweet odor. Epichlorhydrin is used for making glycerine and as a monomer/building block for making plastics and other polymers, some of which are used as coagulant aids in water treatment. It is also used in the paper and drug industries as an insect fumigant. During manufacturing of the epichlorohydrin-based polymeric coagulant aids, a small amount of epichlorohydrin may remain in the coagulant aids as an impurity. When these coagulant aids are used in water treatment, there is a potential for residual epichlorohydrin to be introduced in water. Finished water may also contain epichlorohydrin because of raw water contamination from other uses of epichlorohydrin and because of leaching from epichlorohydrin based components and materials used in drinking water treatment, storage and distribution.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing high levels of epichlorohydrin over a long period of time could experience stomach problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
MCLG ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Epichlorohydrin levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG). MCLG's are non-enforceable goals based on the possible risk and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety.
WEBSITE RESOURCES
- USEPA - Water: Basic Information about Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants - Basic Information about Epichlorohydrin in Drinking Water
- Ohio Department of Health - Private Water Systems Program - Water Quality - Organic Contaminants