Chlorine
Chlorine has been the most widely used disinfectant in the U.S. for over 60 years. There is no question it saves countless lives each year by reducing risk from bacterial contamination.
However, there is concern in the scientific and regulatory community over the use of chlorine compounds to disinfect drinking water. This stems from the potential adverse health effects of the chemical by-products found in water as a result of their use.
When Chlorine enters water it reacts chemically with any organic matter found in the water. By-products of this reaction include trihalomethanes (THMs) such as chloroform.
Drinking chlorinated water is only one form of exposure. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina, trihalomethanes were
shown to increase significantly in the bloodstream after showering.
Public health experts suspect these chemicals may boost the risk of cancer and contribute to reproductive problems such as miscarriage.
Sources
Medical College of Wisconsin - by Dr. Robert Morris
Comprehensive Study Linking Chlorine in Drinking Water to Cancer
EXTOXNET - (cooperative effort of the University of California-Davis, Oregon State University, Michigan State University, Cornell University, and the University of Idaho.)
Effects of Chlorine and Chlorination on Drinking Water
University of North Carolina
Study - Showering Boosts Concentrations of Potentially Hazardous Trihalomethanes
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