Most of us know the importance of drinking enough filtered water to stay hydrated (recommended amount is half your body weight), but you might NOT know how critical it is to use a filter in your shower.
What is lurking in your water are harmful chemicals such as chlorine and chloraminesor even bacteria and fungus from your shower head.
The skin is much more than just a covering for the body. It is your largest organ and is responsible for important functions like vitamin D creation and synthesis. It also has the ability to absorb much of what it comes in contact with and we are learning that it has its own unique and important microbiome!
Chlorine destroys pathogens in water but is harmful to our sensitive skin. We may absorb more chlorine through the shower than through drinking because of the warm temperatures and the large area of the body. Chemicals absorbed through the skin can enter the blood stream quickly and have a tremendous impact on the body. This study even showed a greater lifetime risk of cancer and other problems from bathing or showering in chlorinated water than from drinking it.
An EPA study shown here talks about how the heat of shower water can cause chemicals to vaporize and be released into the air at higher amounts than they are even present in the water itself. The study found significant and detectable levels of THMs and other byproducts in indoor air as a result of bath and shower water.
Some of the chemicals present in the water supply have been linked to various types of cancers. These chemicals can be problematic enough when consumed in water but are even more harmful when inhaled or absorbed through skin. Chris Kresser explains in detail on his post found here.
The purpose of this post is to just make you aware of the dangers of water on our skin. I recommend you check with your local water supply company to determine what disinfecting agents they use to sanitize your tap water. You can then use that information to make a decision about which shower filter is most appropriate for you and your family.
In gratitude!
What is lurking in your water are harmful chemicals such as chlorine and chloraminesor even bacteria and fungus from your shower head.
The skin is much more than just a covering for the body. It is your largest organ and is responsible for important functions like vitamin D creation and synthesis. It also has the ability to absorb much of what it comes in contact with and we are learning that it has its own unique and important microbiome!
Chlorine destroys pathogens in water but is harmful to our sensitive skin. We may absorb more chlorine through the shower than through drinking because of the warm temperatures and the large area of the body. Chemicals absorbed through the skin can enter the blood stream quickly and have a tremendous impact on the body. This study even showed a greater lifetime risk of cancer and other problems from bathing or showering in chlorinated water than from drinking it.
An EPA study shown here talks about how the heat of shower water can cause chemicals to vaporize and be released into the air at higher amounts than they are even present in the water itself. The study found significant and detectable levels of THMs and other byproducts in indoor air as a result of bath and shower water.
Some of the chemicals present in the water supply have been linked to various types of cancers. These chemicals can be problematic enough when consumed in water but are even more harmful when inhaled or absorbed through skin. Chris Kresser explains in detail on his post found here.
The purpose of this post is to just make you aware of the dangers of water on our skin. I recommend you check with your local water supply company to determine what disinfecting agents they use to sanitize your tap water. You can then use that information to make a decision about which shower filter is most appropriate for you and your family.
In gratitude!