Chlorine is added to drinking water to
destroy bacteria. Although chlorine can avoid infectious diseases, there have
been concerns over chlorine increasing the chances of cancer. Studies show that
it is not the chlorine itself, by the by-products of chlorination that pose
cancer risks. A meta-analysis conducted at Harvard reported that people who
drank chlorinated water for a long time had 21% increase in the risk of bladder
cancer and 38% increase in the risk of getting rectal cancer. Some studies have
also shown that the by-products of chlorination can lower the sperm count in
men. It can also have an adverse effect on the testosterone level.
Chlorine is known to worsen conditions
such as asthma. Not just drinking chlorinated water, even swimming in
chlorinated water can cause allergies, asthma and migraines. Inhalation of
chlorine can cause bronchitis in children. It can also decrease the absorption
of calcium. Chlorinated water can cause kidney problems which can be painful.
Although chlorine is supposed to kill the bad bacteria in the water, upon
ingestion, it can kill the good bacteria in your body. Chlorine can also damage
enzymes and thus weaken the immune system. The gut problems caused by this
destruction of good bacteria and enzymes can lead to other health conditions
such as obesity. Often temperamental issues in children are connected with poor
gut health.
Chlorine absorbed by the body can cause
hair loss, low blood sugar and difficulty in sleeping. Taking chlorinated water
regularly can potentially cause chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a condition
that causes extreme fatigue which cannot be cured just by taking rest. Chlorine
can cause hypothyroidism by displacing the iodine in the thyroid gland. Without
enough thyroid hormone, the metabolism of your body will go down. This will
make you feel less energetic. Chlorine can also destroy vitamin A and E which
are good antioxidants. This can often contribute to weight gain. These
antioxidants are also good for preventing certain kinds of cancers, skin
problems, respiratory issues and infertility.
Chlorine when combined with the organic
compounds in the water can damage liver and even nervous system. People with
liver diseases are very vulnerable to the toxic nature of chlorine. It is the
job of the liver to avoid the presence of toxic substances in the blood. If you
have a liver illness, larger quantities of toxic substances can cause
inflammation of the liver. The toxins called trihalomethanes created when
chlorine reacts with natural elements in water can cause problems such as heart
diseases. When using tap water that is chlorinated, chlorine gets absorbed
through skin and through inhalation. This can increase the concentration of
trihalomethanes in the blood. It is proven to cause cancer and reproductive
problems such as miscarriage and low birth weight. When it comes in contact
with skin, it can also cause allergic reactions and even eczema.
It is best to avoid ingesting chlorinated
water whenever possible. Getting a water purifier installed in your house is a
good way to make sure that the water you use for your daily needs is chlorine
free. Filtering water is also a healthy option. Purifying drinking water will
not only keep you safe from the harmful effects of chlorine, it will also
provide you water that does not have the chemical smell or unpleasant taste. You
are likely to have more water when it tastes and smells good, and it is
important to have plenty of water to maintain a healthy body and mind.
