The use of chlorine as the control of waterborne infectious diseases has been successfully used. However, the use of chlorine poses potential health risks due to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs). The purpose of this article is to provide a general understanding of disinfection by-products (DBPs), especially in the aspects of the formation of DBPs in treated drinking water. This paper also discusses the factors affecting the formation of DBPs in drinking water and the potential health risk to the user. In this review, the study of DBPs in Perlis, Malaysia are emphasized.
