Contaminants & Effects, Water Problems
The Hidden Hazards of Chlorinated Water
Scientific research consistently highlights the potential drawbacks of chlorinated tap water on our health. Chlorine, a common water treatment chemical, has been associated with skin irritations such as eczema. It can also harm the body by depleting essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, leading to the generation of harmful toxins that contribute to free radical damage and oxidation.
The intriguing link between these effects and supplementation with vital nutrients like flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, and antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium has been observed in numerous cases, offering hope to those dealing with eczema and dry skin.
Beyond its impact on the skin, chlorinated water can disrupt the delicate balance of intestinal flora. These friendly bacteria play a crucial role in food digestion and safeguard the body from harmful pathogens. Additionally, they contribute to the production of vital vitamins like B12 and K. It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience significant improvements in chronic digestive disorders and skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, and eczema, by switching to unchlorinated drinking water and incorporating probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus into their diet.
Furthermore, chlorinated water contains chemical compounds known as trihalomethanes, which have been identified as carcinogens formed when chlorine reacts with organic compounds in water. These persistent chemicals, also referred to as organochlorides, tend to accumulate in fatty tissues, including breast tissue, and can be found in mothers’ milk, blood, and semen. Organochlorides have the potential to induce DNA mutations, weaken immune system function, and disrupt natural mechanisms that regulate cell growth.
Given these concerns, it’s worth considering alternatives to chlorinated water for both drinking and bathing, along with dietary adjustments that support overall health and well-being.
Products that Reduce or Remove Chlorine
What to Look For?
Look for the NSF 42 certification. NSF International ensures that the filter meets specific performance standards for chlorine removal.
From NSF.org
NSF/ANSI Standard 42: Drinking Water Treatment Units – Aesthetic Effects
Overview: This standard covers point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems designed to reduce specific aesthetic or non-health-related contaminants (chlorine, taste and odor, and particulates) that may be present in public or private drinking water.
