This group within Dr. Dobrinski’s laboratory are focused on disinfection byproducts associated with drinking water. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a group of four chemicals formed during the disinfection and chlorination of water. Unfortunately, these by-products accumulate in sources such as pipes for drinking water and have been linked to various fetal defects and cancers. Each of the four THMs are on the Environmental Protection Agency’s published list of regulated concentrations for disinfection by-products. Rates of head and neck cancers in Pasco and Pinellas counties are much higher than Florida’s average rate. Analysis of the trihalomethane concentrations will be used to compare local concentrations to those regulated by the EPA. Free chlorine data will be compared to THM levels within the Tampa Bay area. Additionally students are investigating correlation between the prevalence of head and neck cancers and levels of trihalomethanes as well as water quality found in underserved communities around the Tampa Bay Area. Current students focusing on this project include Kylie Richardson (team leader on the project) and Carlos Vazquez with Danielle Abel as an alum.