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It is shocking to learn that, of the estimated 2100 possible toxic chemicals found in water, only 75 are treated by public facilities. Chlorine, for example, is both added and checked. This is because bacteria and other pathogens may grow in the water before it reaches homes and public facilities. The addition of chlorine rids the water of many of these toxins along with removing the possible presence of cholera, typhoid, 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!

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. 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.

If you filter your drinking water or drink bottled water, will that eliminate the danger of chlorine poisoning? Not, not right. A greater risk of chlorine poisoning than drinking water occurs, of all places, in the shower! The hot water, combined with steam, causes the body to take in far more chlorine than it would by 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. 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. Then the chloroform gas in the air could cause asthma, bronchitis, and also 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 do you know if you 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. Later she learned that the chlorine bleach mixed with ammonia she used and gave off chlorine gas in the confines of the 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.

The solution to this problem is a special shower water filter designed to remove chlorine before you inhale it. The Berkey model removes up to 95% of the chlorine, plus water-soluble heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and iron, and hydrogen sulfide, microorganisms, and scale. In addition, the filter is able to kill bacteria and to inhibit the growth of algae and fungi. The showerhead filter also reduces cleaning time in the shower by filtering out lime scale and mold.

We have seen that chlorine poisoning can be a serious health issue for those using city water. You can eliminate this risk by filtering both your drinking and cooking water, and by filtering your shower water as well.

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