Is There Dangerous Tap Water in Your Shower? Surprising AnswerJust how dangerous is tap water for showering? The answer may surprise you. Shower filters are becoming increasingly popular. They were originally released as a beauty aid, to improve the appearance of the skin and hair, by protecting them from the damaging effects of chlorine. If you have dry, itchy skin and you remove the chlorine with a water filter, you will notice an improvement, sometimes immediately. If you have broken or damaged hair that often requires the use of conditioners, you will notice an improvement in a week or less. Of course, there are many water filtration systems on the market. Some, if not most, are a waste of money. Others are just plain ineffective. Why is Tap Water Potentially Dangerous? How dangerous is tap water for showering? The health concerns caused by showering in chlorinated water have mostly to do with an increased cancer risk. But, other health problems must also be considered. So, we’ll look at a few other questions, first. How dangerous is Tap Water for Showering if You Have Asthma? Chlorine vapors are known to trigger asthma attacks and worsen their severity. Chlorine crystals become vaporized during a hot shower. So, the danger to asthmatics is great. If you can’t afford a filter, be sure to use the ceiling fan and, if possible, leave the door open to avoid concentration of the fumes. If you have other respiratory ailments, allergies or sinus problems, chlorine complicates your problems. Chronic headaches and other complaints can be resolved quickly by investing in a showerhead filter. How dangerous is Tap Water for Showering, in Terms of Increased Cancer Risk? Estimates vary researchers disagree. Some say the risk is greater than through consumption, alone. You see, the compounds in tap-water that increase your risk of cancer are called trihalomethanes or THMs. There are literally thousands of other carcinogens in tap-water, making a kitchen filter an absolute necessity. But, in the shower, THM poses the greatest risk. You inhale it and it is absorbed through your skin. Overall, it is estimated that exposure through this and by drinking increases your risk to greater than 40%. In people who regularly swim in chlorinated pools, researchers consider the cancer danger “unacceptable”. Water Filters Compared In order to choose an effective product that is also affordable, you need to look at performance data. You should choose a product that reduces chlorine and THMs by at least 90%. Shower-wise and Paragon products do not include the necessary steps to protect your health. Wellness, on the other hand, includes unnecessary steps and makes unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits offered by their products. For the inclusion of Japanese stones, they charge over $200 for their filters. That’s an excessive amount to pay for protection. There are effective products on the market costing as little as $67.99. See resource box for the one I found that does everything you need. Hopefully, that answers you questions concerning how dangerous is tap water for showering.Now, you know that you need a water filter that removes at least chlorine. But chlorine is not the only dangerous you face. Parasites (cysts), lead, drugs, chemicals and more have been found in tap water. Get a water filter like the one I recommend. Consider it “cancer prevention”. Consider it life-saving. |