What to know about the newly identified chemical found in certain U.S. drinking water

Researchers identified a chemical in certain tap water across the United States, prompting questions about what it means for drinking water safety and Americans' health. 

In the study, published in the journal Science Thursday, researchers detected the compound, called chloronitramide anion, in 40 drinking water samples from 10 U.S. drinking water systems using chloramines, a type of disinfectant. 

The levels of the newly identified chemical were also notable, as high as about 100 micrograms per liter (μg/l), which surpasses the typical regulatory limits of 60 to 80 μg/l for many disinfection by-products.