What do dialysis patients and providers need to know?
Like chlorine, chloramine can harm kidney dialysis patients during the dialysis
process if it is not removed from water before entering the bloodstream. It is
safe for dialysis patients to drink, cook with and bathe in chloraminated water
because the digestive process neutralizes chloramine before it enters the
bloodstream.
How do we prepare for the chloramine conversion?
The California Department of Health Services will inspect dialysis equipment and
facilities to ensure providers successfully upgrade their dialysis equipment to
remove chloramine before the conversion in February 2004. Dialysis units must
be prepared for the anticipated chloramine concentration of 2 to 4 milligrams
per liter. The maximum concentration allowed by law is 4 milligrams per liter.
Two methods are typically used to remove chloramine from water before
dialysis:
- Ascorbic acid, or
- A granular-activated carbon filtration system specifically designed to
remove chloramine.
Home dialysis patients should work with their home dialysis facility and
physician to make necessary adjustments to their equipment.
Will boiling remove chloramine?
Chloramine cannot be removed by boiling water, adding salt, or letting water
stand in an open container to dissipate the chloramine.
Need more information?
For further information, contact your dialysis provider of the Trans Pacific
Renal Network: 415-472-8590 or visit:
http://www.network17.org
NOTE:
The California Department of Health Services will inspect commercial dialysis
facilities and ensure dialysis providers successfully upgrade their dialysis
equipment to remove chloramine from the water before the conversion to
chloramine takes place.