Is chlorinated water dangerous? In April 2007, the American magazine WC&P (Water Conditioning & Purification) published an article about the dangers of chlorinated water in the bathroom. It turns out that chlorine, used for disinfecting water, can be harmful not only when drinking tap water but even during bathing or showering.
Chlorinated Water – Helpful or Harmful?
Chlorine is an effective bactericide that began to be used as a disinfectant nearly two centuries ago. It has likely saved hundreds of thousands of lives thanks to its ability to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. However, it is also toxic to humans. Chlorine is a yellow-green gas that dissolves easily in water. It may not seem like a serious threat – after all, tap water has been chlorinated for generations – but that is a misleading impression.
Why Can Chlorine Be Dangerous?
Free chlorine in water oxidizes and kills microorganisms, but it also reacts with other substances, forming toxic compounds. In the 1820s, European doctors saw chlorination as a cure-all against epidemics. However, during World War I, chlorine was also used as a chemical weapon. This shows its potential harmfulness.
Scientists suspect that chlorine and its byproducts may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, allergic reactions, and miscarriages in pregnant women. Research suggests a link between the consumption of chlorinated water and higher rates of bladder and rectal cancers. Some chlorine-based toxins are considered among the most dangerous environmental carcinogens.
Tap Water Chlorination and Its Impact on Health
The dangers of chlorinated water should not be underestimated, especially during bathing. In warmer months, treatment plants increase chlorine levels to prevent bacterial growth. Even low concentrations can be harmful – to both humans and animals. Inhaling chlorine at high concentrations can be fatal. Even if you don’t smell chlorine, it can still be present in your shower water and pose a hidden threat.
Chlorinated water can enter the body not only through the respiratory system but also through the skin. It removes the skin’s natural protective layer, causing dryness, itching, and accelerating aging. Hair also becomes brittle and weak. Chlor is used in water treatment out of necessity, but it should not be present in the water we use for bathing or drinking.
That’s why one of the key components of any home filtration system should be a carbon filter that removes chlorine. Such a filter effectively protects against the harmful effects of free chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and other chemical substances. Chlorinated water doesn’t have to be harmful – you just need proper filtration!
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