A group of scientists at the University of Arkansas has uncovered a previously unidentified chemical compound in U.S. drinking water that could affect one in five Americans. Named chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO2−), the compound is a byproduct of chloramine, a chemical used in water disinfection for nearly a century. But here’s the kicker: researchers still have no clue about its toxicity, leaving millions of Americans wondering just what they’ve been consuming.
For all the leftist hand-wringing about “trusting the science,” it’s ironic how often their sacred institutions—like the EPA—fall asleep at the wheel. Chloramines, a mix of chlorine and ammonia, have been used since the 1930s to kill bacteria in water. Yet, over 90 years later, scientists are just now figuring out what this chemical cocktail might leave behind.
“It’s a very difficult chemical to find,” said Julian Fairey, the study’s co-author, in a press release. Translation: it took decades and untold taxpayer dollars for the scientific community to discover something lurking in plain sight.
The real concern here isn’t just the presence of chloronitramide anion but the complete lack of research into its health effects. According to the study, this compound could potentially cause cancer, reproductive issues, or other long-term health problems. Fairey admitted, “It’s well recognized that when we disinfect drinking water, there is some toxicity that’s created.” So, essentially, they’ve known about these risks but kept plowing ahead.
The study authors are urging regulatory agencies, including the EPA, to investigate the compound’s carcinogenicity and toxicity further. But don’t hold your breath. If history tells us anything, the left will find a way to use this as a rallying cry for more regulation while ignoring the fact that their beloved bureaucracies created this mess.
This discovery highlights the dangers of blindly trusting bloated institutions that claim to “know what’s best.” While Democrats are busy pushing climate change hysteria and telling us to eat bugs to save the planet, they’ve been asleep at the wheel when it comes to something as basic as clean drinking water. Conservatives believe in science too—science that works, is accountable, and doesn’t poison the public under the guise of progress. Let’s hope this discovery sparks some accountability, but don’t count on the left to lead the charge.
