Contaminants in Polyelectrolytes Used in Water Treatment

For approximately 30 years, the US Public Health Service and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) offered advisory opinions on the potential health effects of polyelectrolyte coagulant products used in drinking water treatment. In April 1990, the USEPA transferred this responsibility to a consortium of organizations led by the National Sanitation Foundation. Although more than 1,000 polyelectrolyte products were accepted for use by the USEPA, evidence suggests that probably fewer than 10 to 15 different types of polymer compounds are represented. Contaminants such as epichlorohydrin and acrylamide, which are of significant health concern, are associated with these product formulations.