The Hidden Danger Of Chlorine In Our Bath Water
Most of us associate a long, relaxing soak in the bath with
candlelight, soothing music and a few drops of our favourite
essential oils.
Not many of us stop to think about the dangers associated with
chlorine in our bath water. Most people don't realize that we
absorb more chemicals through skin absorption and the inhalation
of steam while showering and bathing than we do from drinking
water.
Chlorine is regarded as one of the most important advances of
modern civilisation as it disinfects the water and prevents
would be outbreaks of waterborne disease like typhoid, dysentery
and cholera that existed in the 1800's. Chlorine also controls
and eliminates the growth of microbes such as Giardia and Ecoli.
New evidence suggests that despite its disinfectant properties,
the addition of chlorine to our municipal water may adversely
affect our health, especially in the long-term. There is much
concern amongst experts about the harmful effects of chlorine.
According to the US Council of Environmental Quality, the cancer
risk amongst people drinking and absorbing chlorinated water is
as much as 93% higher than among those whose water does not
contain chlorine".
Elemental chlorine is extremely reactive and it combines with
other natural compounds to form toxic by-products such as THMs
(Trihalomethanes) and chlorinated hydrocarbons. TTHMs (Total
Trihalomethanes) are a by-product of municipal water
disinfection. These chlorine by-products trigger the production
of free radicals in the body, causing cell damage, and are
highly carcinogenic.
Why is bathing in chlorinated water so bad?
* A warm bath opens the skin's pores and allows for easier
absorption of chlorine and other chemicals.
* The steam we inhale while bathing can contain up to 20 times
the level of chlorine and other synthetic chemicals than tap
water.
* Inhalation of chlorine and chemical vapors is a suspected
cause of bronchitis and asthma in children.
* Chlorine attacks the skin's natural moisture barrier and
dries the skin out.
* Chlorinated water can also irritate the eyes, leaving them
red, itchy and burning.
As we become more aware of the health risks associated with
chlorine in our water supply, more people every day are turning
to water filters to provide them with clean drinking and shower
water. Relatively few people are aware that a filter exists to
remove virtually all chlorine from their bath water and is
appropriately named the bath ball filter.
It doesn't make much sense to allow chlorinated water to splash
all over your body, seeping into your eyes, ears and mouth. Bath
water filters greatly reduce the symptoms associated with
chlorine inhalation and irritation by removing more than 90% of
chlorine found in the water.
So the next time you decide to have a long, relaxing soak in the
bath, simply use your bath ball filter and make your bath
experience fun, relaxing and safe again for the whole family.