Water used externally can be even more hazardous than water you drink. Showers and to, a lesser extent, baths lead to a greater exposure to toxic chemicals contained in water supplies. The chemicals evaporate out of the water and can be inhaled .
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh measured the volatility of two chemicals commonly found in water supplies: trichlorethylene (TCE) and chloroform. The former is a pollutant found in ground water and the latter a by product produced when chlorine is used to disinfect water.Sprayed through a nozzle, 50 per cent of the chloroform and 80 per cent of the TCE vaporizes. A bath produces only half as much vapour due to the greater total surface area of the shower droplets. The longer and hotter the shower, the more the chemicals build up in the air; levels are four times greater after a 10 minute shower than a five minute one. The Pitssburgh researchers estimated that people in houses would receive from six to 100 times more of the chemicals by breathing the air around showers, baths, dishwashers and washing machines than they would by drinking the water.
Studies from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the National Academy of Science have attributed between 200 and 1000 cancer deaths each year in the United States to ingesting chloroform in drinking water.
Disinfectants
Many water suppliers add a disinfectant to drinking water to kill germs such as giardia and e coli. Especially after heavy rainstorms, your water supplier may add more disinfectant to guarantee that these germs are killed.
Chlorine. Some people who use drinking water containing chlorine well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience stomach discomfort.
Chloramine. Some people who use drinking water containing chloramines well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chloramines well in excess of EPA’s standard could experience stomach discomfort or anemia.
Chlorine Dioxide. Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of EPA’s standard could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of EPA’s standard. Some people may experience anemia.
Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfection byproducts form when disinfectants added to drinking water to kill germs react with naturally-occuring organic matter in water.
Total Trihalomethanes. people who drink water containing trihalomethanes over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Haloacetic Acids. people who drink water containing haloacetic acids over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Bromate. people who drink water containing bromate over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Chlorite. Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorite could experience nervous system effects. Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing excessive amounts of chlorite.Some people may also experience anemia.