Why Chlorine in Water is Harmful and Can Cause Cancer
And Why It’s High Time to Protect Your Health and Wealth from Serious Diseases Caused by Chlorine
What if we told you that this blog will shake your beliefs about the water you use?
Surprising, right?
Let’s take a quick journey back in time—a time when we were sitting in science class, learning about the elements in water.
It was a good time, and those science lessons should have taught us about the hidden dangers lurking in our everyday water.
Chlorine in Drinking Water
An invisible chemical often responsible for cleaning our water is actually putting our health at risk.
Yes, it’s essential for killing bacteria and preventing waterborne diseases. But what’s the chemical?
Chlorine.
You might remember it as the substance used to clean swimming pools. But should we know more about it?
Absolutely—especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, when health and hygiene became even more critical.
Today, Purifit reveals some lesser-known truths about chlorine in water that might harm your health over time.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Chlorine?
Chlorine is a chemical widely used as a disinfectant in both drinking and swimming water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
This process, called chlorination, is effective in preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and is commonly used worldwide.
But is it safe?
According to safewater.org:
“In drinking water, the concentration of chlorine is usually very low and thus not a concern for acute exposure. However, long-term exposure to chlorinated water may increase cancer risk.”
This is a hard truth, and it’s essential to understand why.
Fortunately, modern advancements allow us to eliminate chlorine from our daily water supply effectively.
Purifit is here to provide safe solutions that help you reduce chlorine exposure in your everyday water use.
Who Is Responsible for Chlorination?
In India, municipal bodies are responsible for disinfecting the water supplied to homes, primarily using chlorine, as it’s easy and cost-effective.
However, no water quality reports are shared with citizens, and a framework for sharing potable water parameters with the public is yet to be established.
Forms of Chlorine Used for Water Treatment
Chlorine is typically used in three forms for disinfecting water:
- Chlorine Gas (Cl₂): The least expensive form, used in its gaseous state.
- Calcium Hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)₂): A powdered form for purifying both drinking and wastewater, also available in tablets.
- Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO): A liquid form with a strong chlorine odor, commonly used in water treatment.
How Chlorine Harms Your Health
Every time we drink, bathe, or even breathe, we might be exposing ourselves to chlorine. Prolonged exposure leads to the formation of free radicals in the body, which are associated with various health risks, including cancer.
According to the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality:
“The risk of developing cancer is 93% higher for people exposed to chlorinated water than those who aren’t.”
Even more concerning, chlorine in water can react with organic matter, creating trihalomethanes (THMs)—a byproduct linked to cancer and reproductive issues.
Common Symptoms of Chlorine Exposure
Long-term exposure to chlorine can cause various health issues, including:
- Breathing Difficulty: Inhaling chlorine gas can lead to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis.
- Eye Irritation: Chlorine exposure may cause redness and even conjunctivitis.
- Skin Irritation: Chlorine absorbed through the skin during hot showers can lead to dryness and irritation.
- Cough and Sore Throat: Especially common in people with sensitive airways.
- Chest Tightness and Congestion: Chlorine is a respiratory irritant, which can obstruct airways, similar to asthma symptoms.
How to Remove Chlorine from Water
While boiling and complex treatments can reduce chlorine levels, Purifit recommends a more accessible solution: using a shower filter with an activated carbon layer.
The carbon layer filters out up to 95% of chlorine, along with other harmful chemicals and odors, ensuring safer water for bathing.
Is a Shower Filter Enough?
While a shower filter is excellent for bathing, chlorine can still affect you through other sources, like tap water for drinking and washing.
Purifit also offers a range of products to help you remove chlorine from different sources:
- Purifit Tap Filter
- Purifit Washing Machine Filter
- Purifit Shower Filter
Explore and book yours today at www.purifit.in or Amazon India for free shipping across India.
Enjoy Healthy Water, Enjoy a Healthy Life
We hope this blog has shed light on chlorine's potential dangers and how you can reduce exposure.
Please share it with your friends and family to help them learn about chlorine's effects and how to ensure cleaner water.
For any questions or feedback, feel free to contact us at care@purifit.in. We’re always here to help.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general knowledge about clean water use. If you experience any symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. This blog is not a substitute for medical advice.