True or False: Trihalomethane is a by-product of chlorinated drinking water and is a suspected carcinogen.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are indeed by-products that can form when chlorine, used for disinfection in drinking water, reacts with organic matter present in the water. This reaction is a known consequence of chlorination, which is a common water treatment process employed to ensure the microbiological safety of drinking water.

The concern regarding THMs arises from their categorization as potential carcinogens. Research has indicated that prolonged exposure to high levels of certain THMs may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. Regulatory agencies, including the EPA, have established maximum contaminant levels for THMs in drinking water to mitigate these risks.

Understanding the health implications of THMs is essential for water operators, as it emphasizes the importance of monitoring and potentially modifying treatment processes to balance effective disinfection and minimizing harmful by-product formation. This knowledge supports the assertion that THMs are a by-product of chlorinated drinking water and are suspected carcinogens, making the true statement accurate.