Effects of exposure to disinfection byproducts on fetal growth and development: Research progress and perspectives

Abstract

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a new class of contaminants that are formed during the process of drinking water disinfection in waterworks. To date, more than 700 DBPs have been identified in drinking water, many of which have been found to be potentially cytotoxic, genotoxic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic. As a class of ubiquitous contaminants with highly potential health hazards in drinking water, the reproductive and developmental toxicity of DBPs has been a public concern. This paper reviewed the research progress on the effects of exposure to DBPs on fetal growth and development and also proposed perspectives for future directions. This work aimed to provide reference for health risk assessment and standard establishment of DBPs in drinking water.

Keywords

• disinfection byproducts
• drinking water safety
• epidemiology
• fetal growth and development
• toxicology