Most people know it’s important to drink enough water and filter it to avoid harmful chemicals, but not everyone realizes that the water we shower with can be just as harmful, if not more so, than the water we drink.
Here’s the scoop: unfiltered shower water may contain chemicals like chlorine, as well as bacteria and fungi from the showerhead. Our skin, which is the body’s largest organ, isn’t just a protective covering; it plays a role in creating and synthesizing vitamin D and can absorb substances it comes into contact with. Plus, it has its own unique microbiome, much like the gut does.
This is why it’s a good idea to use a shower filter. Chlorine is typically used to kill germs in the water, but it can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria on our skin. Surprisingly, we might absorb more chlorine through a shower than by drinking chlorinated water because we bathe in warm water, which is easily absorbed by the body. Research shows chlorine in shower water can enter the bloodstream due to its low molecular weight.
Chlorine can react with other substances in water to create harmful byproducts, like trihalomethanes (THMs). One such THM is chloroform, which isn’t present in high enough amounts to cause major issues in shower water, but it’s still not great to encounter regularly. Warm showers can also make it easier to inhale these chemicals. A study found higher levels of chloroform in the lungs of participants after a hot shower.
When chemicals are absorbed through the skin, they enter the bloodstream quickly, which can be beneficial when absorbing something like magnesium, but not when it comes to harmful byproducts. Some studies have shown a higher risk of cancer from showering in chlorinated water compared to drinking it.
Indoor air pollution can also come from unlikely sources, like shower water. For example, scented candles and air fresheners contribute to indoor pollution, but shower water can release chemicals into the air as well, due to the heat causing vaporization.
While our gut microbiome is well-known, the skin also has its own biome. Showering in chlorinated water can affect it, although these changes aren’t always visible. Some people experience dry skin or irritation.
Chemicals like chlorine have been linked to health issues, including cancer. Studies have shown increased risks of bladder, kidney, and rectal cancers in communities using chlorinated water. Chlorine and chloramine vapors can also heighten asthma risks and damage the respiratory tract.
Chlorine compounds have also been linked to higher levels in women with breast cancer. Though correlation isn’t causation, the link is significant enough to warrant caution and further study. Minimizing chlorine exposure with filters is a practical step.
Chloramine, another chemical used in water supplies, can be irritating to skin and lungs. Many filters don’t remove chloramines easily, so researching shower filters that address both chlorine and chloramine is important. Some Vitamin C filters do a good job, although I’ve found only whole-house filters remove most contaminants effectively.
For years, I’d run my kids’ bath water through a shower filter to remove chlorine. There are bath dechlorinators that work quickly, which I’ve used successfully.
Filtering shower water is a simple and affordable way to decrease chlorine and chemical exposure at home. While some people are more sensitive to these chemicals, everyone is affected at a cellular level. Using a shower filter or bath dechlorinator is an easy way to remove harmful substances from bath and shower water.
Do you use a shower filter? Have you noticed any health differences?
