LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Saturday, October 15, 2005

On chloramine

Editor — As a health professional, I would like to clarify three important points that Denise Johnson-Kula referred to in her October 9 Open Forum commentary.

First, there is no scientific evidence that chloramine causes the wide variety of symptoms mentioned in Johnson-Kula’s commentary. The county health departments cooperatively investigated the health complaints made by residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. They found no reason to suspect that the change in drinking water disinfectant was responsible for the diverse health problems. The complaints were reported by approximately 20 individuals out of the 2.4 million who receive the SFPUC’s drinking water.

Read more at the San Francisco Chronicle.

Denise Johnson-Kula
Sunday, October 9, 2005

On Feb. 2, 2004, with no public input and minimal notification, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission switched from chlorine to sanitize its water supplies to chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia.

The introduction of chloramine has compromised our safety. Many residents, unaware of the changeover, suddenly began to experience health effects: burning skin; red rashes; itching; dry mouth and throat; digestive problems; coughing; wheezing; sinus congestion; and severe asthma symptoms. Some individuals’ serious and debilitating symptoms were documented by their physicians. Foul taste and odor of the water were also reported.

Read more at the San Francisco Chronicle.