Chlorine is a common chemical used to disinfect water in swimming pools, hot tubs, and municipal water supplies. When present in low levels, chlorine is generally considered safe for human exposure. However, excessive exposure to chlorine can cause skin and respiratory irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of chlorine in the air or water can also increase the risk of certain health problems such as asthma and cancer.
The use of chlorine to disinfect tap water in the United States began in 1908. The first city to adopt this method was Jersey City, New Jersey. Prior to that, water was disinfected using various methods, such as by heating or by adding chemicals like chlorine dioxide, or ozone.
The concept of chlorinating water was quickly adopted by other cities and has since become a common practice worldwide to ensure safe and clean water.
Why is bathing in chlorinated water so bad?
You filter your drinking water, so why not your bath water? According to Dr. Kathleen Perry, your relaxing bath could be doing more harm than good.
When it comes to skin, soaking in water that has chlorine in it, may cause dryness and irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. Chlorine can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and itchy. Some people may also develop rashes, hives, or other skin reactions.
We don’t tend to think of a hot, relaxing bath and a DANGER ZONE, but our skin is our largest organ, and thus, in a 15-minute bath, the average adult absorbs 63% of the elements in the water. Not only that, but the steam we breathe while bathing can contain up to 20 times the level of chlorine and other chemicals than tap water. Inhalation of chlorine and chemical vapors is a suspected cause of tightness in the chest and asthma in children.
How can I know how much chlorine is in my tap water?
There are a few ways to find out how much chlorine is in your city's municipal water supply:
- Contact your local water utility: Most cities and towns have a water utility department that can provide information about the levels of chlorine and other contaminants in the water supply. You can usually find contact information for your local water utility on your city or town's website.
- Check the Annual Water Quality Report: Many water utilities are required to provide an annual water quality report to customers. This report will include information about the levels of chlorine and other contaminants in the water supply. You can usually find the report on your water utility's website or you can contact them to request a copy.
- Have your water tested: You can also have your water tested by a private laboratory to find out the levels of chlorine and other contaminants in your water. You can search online for water testing laboratories in your area.
Keep in mind that chlorine levels can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the season, so it's best to check with your local water utility or to have your water tested multiple times to get a more accurate picture of the chlorine levels in your water.
Sources:
https://h2oconcepts.com/health-concerns/chlorine-skin-absorbtion/
https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Hidden-Danger-Of-Chlorine-In-Our-Bath-Water&id=71857