Only 75 of the 2100 possible toxic chemicals found in water are regularly checked by public facilities. Chlorine, for example, is both added and checked. Since water must travel and be stored before it arrives in a home, it is necessary to be sure bacteria and other pathogens do not grow in it. The addition of chlorine rids the water many toxins such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

This sounds good but it comes at a price. Chlorine is able to form substances called THMs (trihalomethanes). These are cancer causing and can damage cells. Chlorine can scar the arteries making them more susceptible to having cholesterol 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!

To make matters worse, when a city’s water is contaminated and extra chlorine is added, an increase in the number of cases of cancers of the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract is evident. 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.

To solve this chlorine problem we can just filter our drinking water and all is well, right? 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. Steam can contain up to 20 times the concentration of chlorine that tap water has because it evaporates at a lower temperature than water. One estimate is that, during a 20 minute shower, a person takes in the same amount of chlorine they would drinking two quarts of water. In the confines of the shower or bathroom, the concentration only 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.

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. She later discovered the cause: the chlorine bleach and ammonia were reacting to give off chlorine gas in the confined 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 solution to this problem is a special shower water filter designed to remove chlorine before you inhale it. 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. As an added bonus, this particular showerhead filter reduces lime scale and mold in the shower thus making it easier to keep clean.

Chlorine poisoning can be a serious health issue if you use city water. Be encouraged to reduce its intake by filtering shower water as well as your drinking and cooking water.

Why put yourself at risk any longer? Check out the shower water filter from Berkey Filter and protect yourself today!

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