Water companies use disinfectants, like chlorine and chloroform, to filter and remove harmful bacteria in your drinking water. It’s advocated as a cost-efficient way to decontaminate and keep your household safe.
While this holds truth, chlorine does not come with a clean bill of health. Homeowners are installing chlorine filters to keep disinfectants out of their water supply, and here are a few reasons why.
Long-term Health Effects
When chlorine reacts with organic materials found in sourced water, it forms chemical compounds called Disinfection By-Products (DBPs). Among these DBPs is a highly carcinogenic gas called chloroform, which is known to cause:
- Kidney and liver damage
- Immune system dysfunction
- Nerve system disorders
In simpler terms, chlorine in your water supply could cause problems in different parts of the body and increase your risk of cancer.
Exposure
Despite the possibly harmful factors, the CDC states a low level of chemicals keeps the water safe to drink. But what if you’re not drinking it?
According to an NCBI study, inhalation and skin absorption of shower steam accounts for 2/3s of your body’s harmful exposure to chlorine. Chloroform in the vapor goes directly into your blood stream, increasing your vulnerability to its harmful effects.
For new parents, babies should receive a limited amount of water, especially if it’s unfiltered. Chlorine in your water supply can intoxicate a newborn. If you’re concerned, hire a professional to test your water or boil and cool the water before serving.
Cosmetics
Ask any swimmer – chlorine kills hair. Even in your household shower, the amount of chlorine in the water supply is enough to strip essential oils, leaving your skin dry and hair brittle. It also causes wrinkling, itching and rashes.
The essence of chlorine is to kill living organisms. It removes harmful bacteria when added to water, but think about what it could be doing to your own body. If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, have a professional check out your water or consider investing in a water filter.
