Chlorine - PureFilter.net (by H2O)

Chlorine and Its Effects

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows that chlorine in drinking water may actually pose greater long-term dangers than those for which it was used to eliminate. These effects of chlorine may result from either ingestion or absorption through skin.

Scientific studies have linked chlorine and chlorination by-products to cancer of the bladder, liver, stomach, rectum, and colon, as well heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), anemia, high blood pressure, and allergic reactions. There is also evidence that shows that chlorine can destroy protein in our body and cause adverse effects to skin and hair.

In June 1988 the US National Cancer Institute released the results of an intensive 10,000-person study, which showed that people who drink chlorinated water for long periods of time have twice the incidence of bladder cancer as those who don't drink chlorinated water.

On the Water Front: Making Your Water Safe to Drink

Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.

U.S. Council of Environmental Quality

While the purity of our drinking water is of primary importance, contaminants and chlorine byproducts also enter our bodies through the skin via the water in which we bathe. Also, our lungs absorb toxic fumes from the gaseous chlorine byproducts that are released in a steamy shower. Chlorine in shower water can strip protein from our hair and skin causing dry, irritated eyes, itchy skin, and dandruff.

Water: The Ultimate Cure

The use of chlorine for water treatment to reduce the risk of infectious disease may account for a substantial portion of the cancer risk associated with drinking water.

Environmental Health Perspectives; November 1995

The total inhalation exposure (summation of the three scenarios; shower, pre- and post-cooking activities and cooking) was found to be comparable with that for direct ingestion, indicating that inhalation is an important pathway for THM exposure from drinking water.

The Science of The Total Environment; January 31, 2000

Strong relationships were identified between the THM breath concentrations collected after a shower and both the THM water concentration and the THM exposure from the shower...

Environmental Health Perspectives; February 1999

Volatile organics can evaporate from water in a shower or bath. Conservative calculations indicate that inhalation exposures can be as significant as exposure from drinking the water, that is, one can be exposed to just as much by inhalation during a shower as be drinking 2 liters of water a day. People who shower frequently could be exposed through ingestion, inhalation and/or dermal absorption.

Is Your Water Safe to Drink?

Skin absorption of contaminant has been underestimated and ingestion may not constitute the sole or even primary route of exposure.

American Journal of Public Health; Vol. 74 - 1984

Showering is suspected as the primary cause of elevated levels of chloroform in nearly every home because of the chlorine in the water.

Environmental Protection Agency

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