As drinking water flows through pipes, it sometimes comes into contact with the rubber seals inside various plumbing devices. These parts contain additives that contribute to their flexibility and durability, but which are also potentially harmful compounds that can leak into drinking water.

Previous research on the impact of rubber on human health tended to focus on tyres and the microparticles produced during their use.

But a new small-scale study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that the compounds released into water from plumbing infrastructure sometimes transformed into unwanted byproducts.

To enhance rubber’s strength and durability, manufacturers typically mix in additives. Previous research from the same team showed that these can react with disinfectants in simulated drinking water. Their lab tests generated a variety of chlorinated compounds, some of which could damage DNA.

This time, the team wanted to assess...