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Only 75 of the 2100 possible toxic chemicals found in water are regularly checked by public facilities. One toxin that is added and checked is chlorine. It is added because, over the distance and time public water has to travel before being consumed, bacteria and other pathogens could grow in it. The addition of chlorine rids the water many toxins such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

This is not all good news. This is because chlorine forms compounds called THMs (trihalomethanes). These are cancer causing and can damage cells. Chlorine can also scar 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!

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. Drinking water in Mississippi, some report, contains as many as sixty-three cancer causing compounds that are made from chlorine combining with water pollutants such as carbon disulfide and methanol.

To solve this chlorine problem we can just filter our drinking water and all is well, right? Not, not right. This is because chlorine poisoning in the shower is an even greater risk! The hot water and steam subject the body to far more chlorine than would be present in drinking water alone. 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. The reason is that, in the closed bathroom, the concentration increases. The result is chloroform gas in the air that may cause bronchitis, asthma, and a greater risk of cancer. 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? Some characteristics of mild chlorine toxicity may include headaches, eye, skin, or airway irritation, sore throat, 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. 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 confined area of the shower along with heated, chlorinated water, can cause a person to inhale more chlorine than they realize.

This problem can be solved with a special chlorine shower filter designed to remove chlorine before the water comes out of the head. One model put out by Berkey claims to remove up to 95% of the chlorine, as well as reducing hydrogen sulfide, microorganisms, scale and water-soluble heavy metals such as lead, mercury, 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.

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 chlorine shower filter from Berkey Filter and protect yourself today!