Chlorine In Tap Water
The Importance of Removing Chlorine from Your Water
Before diving into this article, it’s important to note that Finken understands the benefits of disinfecting drinking water as it travels from the municipal plant to your home. Since the U.S. began chlorinating water in the early 20th century, death and illness from microbiological contamination have significantly declined.
However, as this article explains, while chlorine is necessary for public water disinfection, once the water reaches your home or business, it’s best to remove this chemical before using it.
Why is Chlorine Used in Tap Water?
Most municipal water treatment systems in the U.S. use chlorine as a disinfectant. It effectively kills harmful bacteria and viruses present in groundwater. While authorities deem chlorine exposure in tap water as safe, it remains a toxic chemical, and ongoing daily exposure—whether by drinking or bathing—can have adverse health effects.
This article primarily focuses on the risks associated with bathing and showering in unfiltered, chlorinated water.
The Risks of Chlorine and Its By-Products
Chlorine By-Products (DBPs) and Their Impact
The real concern isn’t just chlorine itself—it’s the disinfection by-products (DBPs) it creates when added to water. One of the most concerning DBPs is Trihalomethanes (THMs), such as chloroform. These chemicals increase free radicals in the body, leading to cellular damage and heightened cancer risks.
According to a report from the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality, the risk of developing cancer is up to 93% higher among those exposed to chlorinated water.
Additionally, chlorine by-products have been linked to:
- Breast, bladder, and colon cancers
- Nervous system and immune system disorders
- Kidney and liver dysfunction
The Hidden Risks of Bathing and Showering in Chlorinated Water
Many people invest in drinking water filtration systems to remove chlorine, but few realize that over half of daily chlorine exposure comes from bathing and showering.
Inhalation Risks During Showering
A professor of water chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh states:
“Exposure to vaporized chemicals in the water supply through showering, bathing, and inhalation is 100 times greater than through drinking water.”
When hot water turns to steam, chloroform and other toxic chemicals evaporate into the air. These vapors are then inhaled directly into the lungs, allowing them to enter the bloodstream more rapidly than ingested water.
This exposure is particularly harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions such as:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
Many people notice increased coughing, throat irritation, or difficulty breathing after showering in chlorinated water.
Chlorine’s Effects on the Skin and Hair
Beyond respiratory issues, chlorine strips the natural protective oils from the skin and hair, leading to:
- Dry and brittle hair
- Premature skin aging and wrinkling
- Rashes, itching, and skin irritation
Since hot water opens the skin’s pores, chlorine is absorbed even more quickly during showers and baths.
Solutions: How to Reduce Chlorine Exposure in Your Home
Bath and Shower Filters
The good news is that reducing chlorine exposure is simple and affordable.
- Bath filters: Range from $30 to $60, lasting 6 to 18 months
- Shower filters: Range from $30 to $85, lasting around 6 months
If you frequently take both baths and showers, the best option is a shower filter, as inhalation exposure during showers poses a greater health risk.
Whole-House Water Filtration
For comprehensive protection, consider installing a whole-house water filtration system to remove chlorine from every faucet in your home.
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