Can Chlorine in Drinking Water Be Harmful to Your Health?

Generally speaking, tap water contains numerous types of microorganisms. These microorganisms can be responsible for such diseases as cholera and typhoid fever. Chlorine acts as a disinfectant and bleach. Chlorine is put into tap water to reduce and kill the microorganisms. Chlorine is utilized to purify water, the world over. Part of the reason why chlorine is so widely used, is because it is effective. Alternate chemicals have been tested, but they just can't stand up to the results chlorine provides.

Chlorine in our tap water is a necessity. We need to protect our drinking water and our bodies from harmful bacteria and diseases. Unfortunately, there may be some risks involved with using chlorine to treat our drinking water. One example of chlorine doing harm; is how chlorine can react with organic matter, such as rotting vegetation, already present in the water. The reaction, between the organic matter and the chlorine, is commonly referred to as a by product. The most common chlorine induced by products is trihalomethanes, or THMS.

THMS

When laboratory animals were given high doses of chlorine in their drinking water, their cancer risk rate increased. The studies don't stop with laboratory animals. Some research has found the risk of cancer can increase, within humans, when they have prolonged exposure to chlorine. There was a study done in 1991. This study revealed there is a link between chlorinated water, the by products, and bladder cancer. Studies have also shown that high levels of THMS may also have a negative effect on pregnant women. One study showed that women who drank large amounts of water containing THMS had an increased risk of miscarriage. However, further studies are yet to be done to confirm these findings.

How You Can Minimize Your Health Risks

One way to reduce the amount of water you drink containing chlorine, and the by products associated with it, is to buy a filter which will remove all bacteria, toxins, chemicals, and microorganisms in the water. Activated carbon filters have been shown to remove all chlorine and by products effectively. If you do purchase an activated carbon filter, be sure to follow all the instructions.

Chlorine is known to kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms responsible for numerous diseases and illness. Unfortunately, it may also be responsible for causing them too. When it comes to your health, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is important to be informed about the dangers chlorine may pose, and to take appropriate actions to protect yourself from any danger.