Chlorine in Drinking Water: What You Need to Know and How to Remove.

Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect public drinking water, ensuring harmful microorganisms are eliminated. While its use has been crucial in reducing waterborne diseases, long-term exposure to chlorine byproducts can present health risks. This article explores the benefits and risks of chlorine in drinking water and offers solutions for reducing exposure.

Benefits of Chlorine in Drinking Water

Chlorine has been used as a disinfectant in water systems for over a century, dramatically reducing outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. It is highly effective in killing bacteria and viruses, ensuring that water remains safe as it travels through distribution systems to homes [1][2][3]. Its “residual” properties mean it continues to protect water from potential contaminants during distribution [3].

Potential Health Risks

While chlorine itself is considered safe in regulated amounts, it reacts with organic materials in water to form harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs). Prolonged exposure to these byproducts has been linked to several health issues:

• Increased cancer risk: Long-term exposure to DBPs has been associated with an elevated risk of bladder and rectal cancers [2][4].
• Congenital disabilities: Pregnant women exposed to high levels of DBPs may face an increased risk of certain birth defects [1][2].
• Respiratory problems: Inhalation of chlorine vapors, particularly during activities like showering, can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma [4].

Reducing Chlorine in Your Water

There are several methods to minimize chlorine and its byproducts in drinking water:

• Carbon filtration: Activated carbon filters can effectively remove chlorine and DBPs from water.
• Boiling or sitting water: Allowing water to sit uncovered or boiling it can reduce chlorine content, although this method is less effective for DBPs.
• Reverse osmosis: This advanced filtration method can remove chlorine, DBPs, and other harmful contaminants, providing cleaner water [2][3].

While chlorine plays a critical role in protecting public health by disinfecting water, it is essential to reduce exposure to its byproducts through proper filtration and awareness.

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Bibliography

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Water Disinfection with Chlorine and Chloramine. Accessed September 2023. https://www.cdc.gov
2. Minnesota Department of Health. Drinking Water Chlorination: Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed September 2023. https://www.health.state.mn.us
3. Washington State Department of Health. Chlorination of Drinking Water. Accessed September 2023. https://www.doh.wa.gov
4. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Reducing Exposure to Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water. Accessed April 2023. https://www.niehs.nih.gov

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Author: Loretta Bauman, Advocate of Wellness and Inspired Living.