CHENNAI: Companies manufacturing water purifiers in India have failed to adhere to international standards, thus putting the health of consumers at risk, reveals a study.

Addressing a press conference to mark the launch of a book, 'Study on the Safety Issues Concerning Storage Water Purifiers', author and consumer expert Bejon Misra told reporters on Thursday that many leading brands of water purifiers are using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), a chemical used worldwide for sanitising swimming pools.

It has not been approved by US Environmental Protection Agency as a drinking water disinfectant in a household purifier.

Beside, its use in India is 12 times over and above the recommended level for treating a public water distribution system.

The study claimed that TCCA decomposes in water to release chlorine and cyanuric acid.

When combined with free melamine released from common household utensils and cutlery, it can trigger renal failure.

Misra, who is also the chairman of the Cell for Consumer Education and Advocacy Society and founder of Healthy You Foundation, said that while leading brands were making tall claims about the purity and safety of water, none had adopted international quality standards.

In other words, they provide substandard drinking water to their consumers and undermine their right to safety and information.

Besides, there is a huge unorganised market in India, which is misleading the consumers because of lack of regulatory mechanisms.

Misra said the study was not intended to ask manufacturers to stop selling chemical based water purifiers but create awareness among on the consumers and the need for regulating the water purifiers.

He said as per World Bank estimates, 80 per cent communicable diseases in India are water-related.