A team of researchers from the United States and Switzerland has reported the discovery of a previously unknown compound in chloraminated drinking water. Inorganic chloramines are commonly used to disinfect drinking water to safeguard public health from diseases like cholera and typhoid fever. It's estimated that more than 113 million people in the United States alone drink chloraminated water.
Not that it’s really an issue since water used in drug formulations are not treated with chloramine disinfectants. But usage of those disinfectants can contribute to nitrosamines in some drugs, which no one wants.
Incredibly unlikely (impossible?) taking a drug with chloramine disinfected water, don’t worry.
There are way more nitrosamines in a thin slice of cured meat than any drug had before the regulations were put in place.
Interesting, I’ve never really thought about that, makes sense though. Also looks like decent amounts potentially (~0-84 ug/kg).
Surprising when they’re usually only allowed in the single digit ppm range in pharmaceuticals, and many have been recalled due to nitrosamines.
I think it’s because ones a drug prescribed for a medical condition. So you may have a condition where your doctor says “stay away from cured meats” but might prescribe you a drug that unwittingly has what they’re looking to avoid. And just in general drugs give you a lot of control: there should only be what you know and want in there. Foods a big ol mess of compounds. My heart meds get recalled all the time for less acrylamide than I’d get in a flame grilled burger.