haloacetic

Haloacetic acids are a family of halogen-substituted acetic acids, defined by the presence of one carboxylic acid group (−COOH) and one or more halogen atoms (chlorine, bromine, or iodine) on the methyl carbon. Common members include monochloroacetic acid (MCAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), as well as brominated analogs such as monobromoacetic acid (MBAA) and dibromoacetic acid (DBAA). The broader class encompasses a range of mono-, di-, and tri-halogenated variants formed with chlorine and/or bromine.

Occurrence and formation often center on drinking water and swimming pools. HAAs are disinfection byproducts generated when water treatment disinfectants (principally chlorine or chloramines) react with natural organic matter, bromide in source water, or other precursors. Their concentrations in treated water vary with source water quality, disinfectant type and level, contact time, and treatment practices. HAAs can also arise in some industrial or agricultural contexts where chlorinated solvents or organic precursors are present.

Health and regulatory considerations focus on chronic exposure. Some haloacetic acids have been studied for carcinogenic and other toxic effects in animals, leading regulatory programs to set exposure limits for drinking water. In the United States, regulations commonly address total haloacetic acids (HAA5 or HAA9, depending on the jurisdiction), reflecting the sum of specific HAAs measured in water. Monitoring and analysis typically employ standardized methods to quantify individual HAAs or their total concentration.

Overall, haloacetic acids represent a well-characterized class of disinfection byproducts with varying toxicological profiles and regulatory attention, reflecting their prevalence in treated water and potential long-term health implications.