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 is not all good news. Chlorine forms substances called THMs (trihalomethanes). These chemicals are cancer causing and are able to damage cells. Chlorine can also scar the arteries thus making it easier for cholesterol to attach itself to the walls. Yet, it is common in many cities for the maximum level of chlorine allowed in the public water system to be greater than recommended swimming pools!
Further, evidence shows that, when a city’s water is contaminated and extra chlorine is added, the number of cases of cancers of the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract increase. One source said that drinking water in Mississippi contains approximately 63 cancer causing compounds that are made when chlorine combines with pollutants such as methanol and carbon disulfide present in the water.
If you filter your drinking water or drink bottled water, will that eliminate the danger of chlorine poisoning? Not, not right. An even greater risk of chlorine poisoning occurs in the shower! 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. Some estimate a person takes in during a 20 minute shower the same amount of chlorine they would by drinking two quarts of water. This is because, in the confines of the shower or bathroom, the concentration increases. Then the chloroform gas in the air could cause asthma, bronchitis, and also a greater risk of cancer. Further, the warm open pores take in chlorine causing skin irritations such as eczema.
What are evidences (before cancer shows up) that someone is getting chlorine poisoning? Characteristics of mild chlorine toxicity might include sore throat, headaches, eye, skin, or airway irritation, and cough. Higher levels may also include chest tightness.
Several years ago a friend shared that every time she 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 confined area of the shower along with heated, chlorinated water, can cause a person to inhale more chlorine than they realize.
The best solution to the shower chlorine problem is a special shower head filter designed to remove chlorine. One example, made by Berkey, is able to remove up to ninety-five percent of the chlorine in the water, and in addition to remove hydrogen sulfide, scale, microorganisms, and water-soluble heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and iron. In addition, the filter is able to kill bacteria and to inhibit the growth of algae and fungi. This particular showerhead is also able to reduce lime scale and mold in the shower which making it easier to keep clean.
We have seen that chlorine poisoning can be a serious health issue for those using city water. It would be very wise to reduce its intake by filtering drinking and cooking water, as well as filtering shower water.
Don’t risk your health any longer. Learn about out the shower water filter from Berkey Water Filter and guard yourself from further poisoning in your shower today!
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