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Groups at potentially high risk from chlorine dioxide treated water
Journal of Environmental Pathology and Toxicology
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Chlorite, a disinfectant by-product, causes greater harm to red blood cells in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This heightened susceptibility increases the risk of hemolytic anemia, necessitating consideration for public health. Keywords: chlorite, G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia, disinfectant by-product.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Hematology
Background:
- Chlorine dioxide is a disinfectant used in water treatment.
- Chlorite is a disinfection by-product of chlorine dioxide.
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affects red blood cell metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of chlorite on red blood cells from G6PD deficient individuals compared to normal individuals.
- To assess the potential risk of hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficient populations due to chlorite exposure.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of red blood cells from G6PD deficient and normal individuals to chlorite.
- Measurement of methemoglobin and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in exposed red blood cells.
Main Results:
- Chlorite exposure caused significantly higher methemoglobin levels and lower GSH levels in G6PD deficient red blood cells compared to normal cells.
- G6PD deficient individuals showed a 3 to 4 times higher likelihood of developing hemolytic anemia based on GSH levels.
Conclusions:
- Chlorite exhibits exaggerated oxidative effects on G6PD deficient red blood cells.
- G6PD deficiency represents a significant risk factor for chlorite-induced hemolytic anemia.
- Public health strategies for water disinfection should account for G6PD deficient individuals.