Chlorine and Chloramine in Water
There is little debate that the introduction of chlorine into public drinking water has had numerous health benefits. It is considered necessary to destroy bacteria and other harmful contaminants.
However, if you are drinking chlorinated water from your tap, you need to stop!
If you have city / municipal water, the water is disinfected using either chlorine or chloramines (formed when chlorine is combined with ammonia). Both of these agents can be detrimental to your good health as they are known carcinogens. Chloramines have been studied less and therefore its effects have been less publicized, but it is no less dangerous in most water experts¹ opinions.
Showering in municipal water poses risks because chlorine, when heated, creates vapors known as THMs (trihalomethanes), which are known to increase the risk of cancer. By installing a whole home water filter, you eliminate this risk for all showers and baths in your home. The alternative is to install shower and bathwater filters in every bathroom in your home. If you are on a tight budget or live in an apartment, it is recommended that you take this step to ensure your family is protected.
Before purchasing a whole home filter, be sure to check your annual water report (usually available online from your municipality providing your water to you) whether the disinfection agent is chlorine or chloramines. This is important because not every whole home system effectively filters chloramines, unless specifically stated.
“Showering is suspected as the primary cause of elevated levels of chloroform in nearly every home because of the chlorine in the water.”
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Dr. Lance Wallace