Word: thms
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...misstatements, secrecy and paternalism that kept students and other University affiliates unaware of a serious health problem on campus. Harvard did not inform students and staff that the water they used for drinking, cooking and showering had been tainted for more than 16 months by excessive levels of trihalomethanes (THMs)--chemicals known to cause cancer in lab animals...
...current controversy began in July 1988, when Cambridge officials recorded a level of THMs 12 percent above the maximum allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Despite scientific evidence that shows that THMs may cause cancer in laboratory animals, Cambridge did not comply with Massachusetts law and "notify the public" via newspaper "within fourteen days." In fact, Cambridge didn't even notify the public within 14 months. Not until the levels of THMs reached 96 percent above the permissible level in December did Cambridge finally send a warning letter to water users...
Even now, no organization has independently verified Cambridge's assertion that the concentration of THMs has returned to an allowable level. It is altogether possible that abnormally high levels of potential carcinogens still pollute the water we drink...
...lessons from this disgraceful episode are clear. First, Harvard must take a leading role in making sure its water supply is safe, starting by testing to see whether THMs are down to permissible levels. With the laboratory facilities already existing on campus, this task should not be an excessive burden. The city has demonstrated that it cannot be relied upon to provide decent water. Harvard must keep the pressure on Cambridge to maintain water quality, as demanded by a petition being circulated by Laurie R. Belin...
Second, Harvard should ascertain the effects of prolonged exposure to high levels of THMs and inform the community of the results. How much are students at risk? As Cambridge resident and water-quality activist Alexandra Hewer said, "The public has not been educated" about the danger of THMs...