Where It Comes From
Formed when chlorine and other disinfectants react with natural organic matter in bromide-containing water; regulated in U.S. as part of HAA5 [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Mostly by drinking treated tap water; smaller amounts from skin contact and breathing tiny droplets during showers or swimming in chlorinated pools [1][3].
Why It Matters
High doses can upset the stomach; animal studies link DBAA/other HAAs to liver, developmental, reproductive effects, and more cancers in rodents; human data are limited. EPA limits total HAA5 [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Pregnant people, infants, people who drink a lot of tap water, those served by sources high in bromide (e.g., coastal/estuary) or who chlorinate private wells [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Check your water report for HAA5/HAA9; use treatment certified to reduce HAA5 (activated carbon or reverse osmosis; NSF/ANSI 53 or 58); ventilate showers; choose well‑maintained pools and shower before swimming [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Haloacetic Acids (monochloro-, dichloro-, trichloro-, monobromo-, and dibromoacetic acid). U.S. DHHS, 2021.
- [2]U.S. EPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (HAA5) – basic information and standards.
- [3]CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking. Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water.
- [4]U.S. EPA IRIS. Dibromoacetic Acid (CASRN 631-64-1) – health assessment.