Millions of Americans use the inexpensive and highly effective element known as chlorine each and every day. Chlorine is used to help disinfect swimming pools and drinking water, and it's also used in some popular household products to disinfect furniture and appliances. However, one of the world's leading element is currently under investigation. Over the years, chlorine's "dark-side" has been unveiled. It has been tested and proven to increase the probability of having bladder, rectal, or breast cancer and miscarriages as well. When used in large quantities of drinking water, the public's health is at risk. Because so much of the water we intake ends up in the bladder and/or rectum, ingestion of it is damaging to these parts of the body.
The new discovery of chlorine being linked to cancer and miscarriages has made the need for some serious changes. Many sewers and water-treatment stations have partially stop using chlorine for disinfection and are now using chloramine instead. Chloramines are most commonly formed when ammonia is added to chlorine to treat the drinking water. Chloramine has been tested and is safe to use as a replacement. When drinking water with chloramine in it instead of chlorine, it's been told that the taste is no different.The Science Professor of UC suggests that, "The solution can be found in a rigorous regulation that protects drinking water resources. . .these measures would avoid using large quantities of chlorine as a disinfectant and avoid the unpleasant odors, tastes, and health risks that accompany it" (June 3rd, News in the Laboratory). I guess you can imply that the new society of today is getting this problem under control. Soon, drinking water regulations will be revised. Until then, be cautious of the water you intake!
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This is a horrifying idea that the chemicals that have saved countless lives from very harmful pathogens, could also potentially be oncogenic. One would think that this would simply an issue of getting a PPM ratio correct. However, if it will take a complete overhaul of our chlorine use practices, hopefully it will come quickly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zjharris. This is very terrifying knowing that we come in contact with this chemical daily and it could be very harmful to our health.
ReplyDeleteWow, this makes you think about maybe why different cultures dont try to come in contact with it. Thats very scary that you have to think what is happening just taking a shower.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of this! As far as Chlorine goes, I just knew it could damage your hair follicles. Naturally, I would think that adding Ammonia could have its downsides too, but luckily they tested it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very eye opening study that I would have never thought Cl would cause all of these things.
ReplyDeleteHow crazy is this??! I wonder are we at risk even if the water is bottled?
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