Epichlorohydrin in Drinking Water Information:

Properties:

Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is an organic molecule that features an epoxide ring functional group at one end of its carbon backbone and a chlorine atom at the other. An epoxide ring is comprised of an oxygen atom connected to two carbon atoms in a trigonal arrangement. ECH is colourless, clear, and has a pungent, garlic-like odour.1

Sources:

ECH is a precursor to epoxy resin, glycerol, and other chemicals used as flocculants, water treatment resins, pharmaceutical products, and liners for water pipes and tanks.2 When these chemicals are used—particularly in water treatment processes—it is extremely important that they are regulated and properly dosed to prevent contamination of treated effluent. ECH is generally not considered a concern in drinking water because of the strict regulations put in place to control its usage.

Regulations:

The limit for ECH in drinking water is 0.10 micrograms per litre (µg/L).

Health/Environmental Concerns:

ECH is toxic for humans, and even short-term exposure can cause skin irritation or reddening, vomiting, and headache. If long-term exposure occurs, liver and kidney problems can develop.1 Additionally, it is believed that ECH has the potential to cause cancer in humans, and it is therefore classified as a likely carcinogen.

Action:

High concentrations of ECH can generally be attributed to ECH-containing materials such as flocculants or water pipes. If you suspect that these types of materials have contaminated your water source, contact your Water Services Authority. If drinking water makes you ill, contact a doctor right away.

 1Guide to the Parameters in the European Communities. What’s in your water?; S. I. No. 278 of 2007; National Federation of Group Water Schemes: Ireland.

 2Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. 1,2-dichloroethane in Drinking Water; Vol. 2; World Health Organisation: Switzerland, 1996.