It is shocking to learn that, of the estimated 2100 possible toxic chemicals found in water, only 75 are treated by public facilities. Chlorine, for example, is both added and checked. This is because bacteria and other pathogens may grow in the water before it reaches homes and public facilities. The chlorine also rids the water of many toxins such as dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.
This benefit comes with serious side effects. This is because chlorine forms compounds called THMs (trihalomethanes). These compounds can cause cancer and are able to damage cells. Chlorine causes scarring of the arteries thus making it easier for cholesterol to attach itself to the walls. Yet, did you know that many cities allow a level of chlorine in the public water that exceeds recommended swimming pool levels!
Furthermore, when extra chlorine is added in an emergency, the number of cases of cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract rise. In one state the public water contains sixty-three cancer causing compounds formed when chlorine combines with common pollutants such as methanol and carbon disulfide.
If you filter your drinking water or drink bottled water, will that eliminate the danger of chlorine poisoning? I'm afraid not. This is because chlorine poisoning in the shower is an even greater risk! The steamy hot water provides far more chlorine than just drinking water. Because steam evaporates at a lower temperature than water, it can contain up to a twenty fold greater concentration of chlorine than that of tap water. A warm shower then releases the chlorine in vapor form for you to breathe. Some estimate a person takes in during a 20-minute shower the same amount of chlorine they would by drinking two quarts of water. The reason is that, in the closed bathroom, the concentration increases. The resulting chloroform gas intake may cause a greater risk of cancer as well as bronchitis and asthma. In addition, the warm water opens the pores and additional chlorine is absorbed causing skin irritations such as eczema.
How might someone know if they are getting chlorine poisoning? Characteristics of mild chlorine toxicity might include sore throat, headaches, eye, skin, or airway irritation, and cough. Chest tightness is an indication of possible higher levels of toxicity.
When a friend cleaned the bathtub, she would suffer from breathing problems and exhaustion. Later she learned that the chlorine bleach mixed with ammonia she used and gave off chlorine gas in the confines of the tub area. In a similar way, the shower or tub provides a confined area where a person can inhale higher than normal levels of chlorine gas.
The best solution to the shower chlorine problem is a special shower head filter designed to remove chlorine. The Berkey model removes up to 95% of the chlorine, plus water-soluble heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and iron, and hydrogen sulfide, microorganisms, and scale. This model also inhibits the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi. The shower head filter also reduces cleaning time in the shower by filtering out lime scale and mold.
Plenty of tests have shown that chlorine poisoning from city water can indeed be a serious health issue. You can eliminate this risk by filtering both your drinking and cooking water, and by filtering your shower water as well.
Don't risk your health. The negative long term effects are not worth it. Check out the Chlorine Shower Filter made by Berkey Water Filter, and enjoy peace of mind from knowing you are protected from poison in the shower.
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