This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the impact of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) on human health, focusing on DBPs present in chlorinated drinking water, particularly three primary categories: aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic. It explores factors influencing DBP formation, including disinfectant types, water source characteristics, and environmental conditions. The study identifies 63 key DBPs and selects 28 for in-depth analysis based on regulation, health impact, and chemical diversity. It aims to guide water treatment technologies and monitoring systems for efficient water quality surveillance, enabling reliable DBP detection in distribution networks. The research contributes to policy-making by enhancing understanding of DBP-associated health hazards and offering insights for improving chlorinated drinking water safety. DBPs are categorized into three main types: aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic. Aliphatic DBPs include THMs and HAAs, while alicyclic DBPs include halobenzoquinones and halofuranones. Aromatic DBPs include halophenols and halonitrophenols. The study highlights the importance of these categories due to their higher toxicity compared to aliphatic DBPs, though they may degrade into THMs and HAAs. The formation of DBPs is influenced by factors such as water source, disinfectant type, temperature, pH, and natural organic matter (NOM). The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive research considering various NOM types and water sources under different conditions. The study also discusses the health impacts of DBPs, including carcinogenic, reproductive, and developmental effects. It identifies key DBPs such as THMs, HAAs, and halophenols, which are associated with significant health risks. The study provides a list of 28 critical DBPs based on regulatory standards, health impact severity, and chemical diversity. It underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating DBPs to ensure safe drinking water and public health. The findings highlight the need for further research into DBP formation mechanisms, emerging DBPs, and the development of advanced detection and treatment technologies. The study serves as a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of water treatment and public health.This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the impact of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) on human health, focusing on DBPs present in chlorinated drinking water, particularly three primary categories: aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic. It explores factors influencing DBP formation, including disinfectant types, water source characteristics, and environmental conditions. The study identifies 63 key DBPs and selects 28 for in-depth analysis based on regulation, health impact, and chemical diversity. It aims to guide water treatment technologies and monitoring systems for efficient water quality surveillance, enabling reliable DBP detection in distribution networks. The research contributes to policy-making by enhancing understanding of DBP-associated health hazards and offering insights for improving chlorinated drinking water safety. DBPs are categorized into three main types: aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic. Aliphatic DBPs include THMs and HAAs, while alicyclic DBPs include halobenzoquinones and halofuranones. Aromatic DBPs include halophenols and halonitrophenols. The study highlights the importance of these categories due to their higher toxicity compared to aliphatic DBPs, though they may degrade into THMs and HAAs. The formation of DBPs is influenced by factors such as water source, disinfectant type, temperature, pH, and natural organic matter (NOM). The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive research considering various NOM types and water sources under different conditions. The study also discusses the health impacts of DBPs, including carcinogenic, reproductive, and developmental effects. It identifies key DBPs such as THMs, HAAs, and halophenols, which are associated with significant health risks. The study provides a list of 28 critical DBPs based on regulatory standards, health impact severity, and chemical diversity. It underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating DBPs to ensure safe drinking water and public health. The findings highlight the need for further research into DBP formation mechanisms, emerging DBPs, and the development of advanced detection and treatment technologies. The study serves as a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of water treatment and public health.