Of the 2100 toxic chemicals found in water, only 75 are checked by public facilities. Chlorine, for example, is both added and checked. 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 chlorine also rids the water of many toxins such as dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.

This is not all good news. Chlorine is able to form substances called THMs (trihalomethanes). These compounds can cause cancer and are able to 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!

Furthermore, when extra chlorine is added in an emergency, the number of cases of cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract rise. In one state the public water contains sixty-three cancer causing compounds formed when chlorine combines with common pollutants such as methanol and carbon disulfide.

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, combined with steam, causes the body to take in far more chlorine than it would by just drinking water. You see, chlorine evaporates at a lower temperature than water and, as a result, the steam of the shower can contain up to 20 times the concentration of chlorine that liquid water might have. 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. The reason is that, in the closed bathroom, the concentration increases. Then the chloroform gas in the air could cause asthma, bronchitis, and also a greater risk of cancer. The warm open pores of the skin also absorb chlorine and this can cause skin irritations such as eczema.

How do you know if you are getting chlorine poisoning? Evidence of mild chlorine toxicity may include eye, skin, or airway irritation, sore throat, headaches, and cough. Chest tightness may indicate a higher level.

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 one realizes.

This problem can be solved with a special chlorine shower filter designed to remove chlorine before the water comes out of the head. 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. This model also inhibits the growth of bacteria, 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.

We have seen that chlorine poisoning can be a serious health issue for those using city water. Be encouraged to reduce its intake by filtering shower water as well as your drinking and cooking water.