Chlorine is a common disinfectant used to disinfect and purify drinking water that is supplied to you. It is considered as a highly effective disinfectant that is added to the public water to kill the disease causing bacteria and the contaminants that might enter into the water while being transported through old pipes. However, unfortunately, chlorine disinfectant in drinking water comes at a huge price. Though it is true that it makes the drinking water safe and pure, too much of chlorine may also sometimes go on to cause severe health issues. This is because; the chlorine that is mixed in the water reacts with other naturally occurring elements and goes on to form toxins called trihalomethanes that enter human body though drinking water.

Effects of chlorine in drinking water

Trihalomethanes have been linked to a number of health issues like eczema, bladder cancer, asthma and heart diseases. Chlorine is also known to cause cancer if the liver, colon, stomach and rectum. It also causes anemia, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis and various allergic reactions. Drinking water that contains excessive amounts of chlorine is extremely harmful for pregnant women – it increases their chances of miscarriages. Evidences have also been found that chlorine in water can also destroy the protein in a person’s body, thus adversely affecting the skin and the hair. Chloramine formed in water due to the presence of chlorine gives birth to a pungent odor and an awful taste that puts you off badly.

Removing chlorine from your drinking water

Unfortunately, it is mandatory that chlorine be added to public drinking water supply, as ordained by public health regulations. Thus, you shall have to look for means by which you can eliminate chlorine from the water, yourself. Though some of the European and Canadian cities have now begun to disinfect their water supplies with ozone instead of chlorine, there are other measures you can take if you do not live in any of these areas.

You must invest in a home filtration system that shall help you to eliminate chlorine from the supply of drinking water. Making use of a water filter in your kitchen that can be used to purify your drinking as well as your cooking water is a very good idea. In addition, since chlorine is also harmful if absorbed by the skin, you can install a filter in your shower, thus protecting the whole family from all kinds of chlorine related diseases.

Keep in mind that carbon-based filters are one of the most effective filters that can help to eliminate THMs and other toxins from drinking water. Therefore, if you want the water filter to eliminate not only chlorine related contaminants, but also other toxins that are sometimes present in water, bring home a carbon-filter today. Take care to find out that filters are government approved and effective in purifying your water.

People who cannot invest in chlorine filters might simply have to rely on their patience. The chlorine compounds that are mixed with your faucet water can simply be removed if the water is kept uncovered in your refrigerator for a day.