When Should I Filter My Shower Water?

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. 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 of many of these toxins along with removing the possible presence of cholera, typhoid, 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 causes scarring of the arteries thus making it easier for cholesterol to attach itself to the walls. Yet, shockingly, many cities allow levels of chlorine in water systems that exceed 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. 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.

So we filter our drinking water and the problem is over, right? Not, not right. An even greater risk of chlorine poisoning occurs in the shower! The steamy hot water provides far more chlorine than 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. In the confines of the shower or bathroom, the concentration only increases. . The resulting chloroform gas intake may cause a greater risk of cancer as well as bronchitis and asthma. The warm open pores of the skin also absorb chlorine and this can cause 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 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. It also kills bacteria and inhibits 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.

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.