What are THMs?
Trihalomethanes, or THMS, are chemical compounds that can form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. These compounds include chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform.
Drinking water in Ireland comes from water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams etc. Naturally high levels of organic material such as dirt, twigs, leaves etc. are present in these natural resources.
The process of disinfecting the natural water sources leads to numerous disinfection by-products as a result of the reaction between the disinfectant and the natural organic matter. As chlorine is one of the most used agents for water disinfection worldwide testing for the toxic by-product, THMS, is crucial.
The THMS test is a revolutionary solution that ensures accurate and efficient testing for potentially carcinogenic materials in your water.
There are 4 main ways THMs contaminates your water!
THMS can enter your drinking water from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and disinfection processes used to treat water.
- Organic matter – water treatment plants may not have been able to remove all organic material from the water
- Chlorine levels– high concentrations of chlorine in the water making it more likely for the development of THMS.
- Length of time it takes for your water to reach the tap. The longer it takes for your water to travel the more likely THMS will form.
- Time of year– autumn is the most common time of year when dead and decaying organic matter can contaminate water sources.
What is the importance of testing for THMs?
Testing for THMS is crucial because long-term exposure to elevated levels of these compounds has been associated with health issues such as increased cancer risk, reproductive problems, and adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
What happens if you are exposed to THMs?
Short term exposure to THMS can cause…
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory issues
Long-term exposure can lead to increased risk to bladder, colon, and rectum cancers.
How do we at Southern Scientific test for THMs?
At Southern Scientific we can test your water using an easy to follow 3 step guide….
- Simple – order the test, and we will post your testing kit.
- Clear – follow the instructions, collect the sample and post it back to us the same day for next-day delivery.
- Accurate– easy-to-understand results will be sent to you by email within 10 days.
Once the samples have been collected, our advanced laboratory techniques can detect even the smallest levels of THMs in your water supply. Our team of experts uses GC-MS/MS to analyse the samples with the highest precision. Keeping in line with the drinking water regulations of 100 micrograms per litre on an annual average basis.
We offer a clear understanding of your results so that you can take informed decisions about your water quality.
Who do we recommend this testing for?
- Homeowners
- Government Agencies
- Business Owners
The importance of this type of testing to ensure the safety of everyone that uses public water mains at their disposal.
Why Should You Trust Southern Scientific Services with Your Water Testing Services?
To ensure the safety of your drinking water, it’s essential to use regularly testing. Our team of experienced technicians employs the latest techniques to collect water samples from your tap.
You will receive a report of your results via email and consultancy on how to treat it if necessary. Our THM test is ISO-17025 Accredited to ensure your water complies with national standards for the quality and safety of drinking water.
At Southern Scientific, we are committed to providing you with the highest standards of quality and accuracy in every THMs analysis. With our expertise and experience, we guarantee the utmost confidence in the safety and quality of your drinking water.
Contact us directly to ensure your water safety.
