chloramine

Everyday

1. A chemical made from chlorine and ammonia, used to kill germs in tap water. tree →
2. The smelly chemicals that form in swimming pools when chlorine mixes with sweat and wee; they cause the «pool smell» and sore eyes. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on clean water, some water companies use chloramine to keep tap water safe. In swimming and health lessons, the strong «chlorine smell» at pools is actually mostly chloramines, which is why you should shower before swimming. Safety: never mix bleach and ammonia cleaners; that makes chloramine gas, which is harmful to breathe.

Examples

• Some cities add chloramine to tap water to kill germs. tree →
• The strong pool smell comes from chloramines. tree →
• Shower before swimming to reduce chloramines. tree →
• Never mix bleach and ammonia cleaners; they make chloramine gas. tree →
• Chloramine in tap water can harm pet fish, so it must be removed first. tree →
• Chloramines can make your eyes red and itchy. tree →

Note

Countable in science (chloramines are a group of chemicals); uncountable for the substance. Said «KLOR-uh-meen». Myth: a strong pool smell does not mean too much chlorine; it often means the water needs more cleaning.