Chlorine—a familiar scent often associated with swimming pools. But beyond its recognizable odor, chlorine serves a vital purpose beyond recreational water. In Malaysia, it's frequently utilized in the treatment of tap water to ensure its safety for consumption.
This prompts questions about chlorine's nature, its potential impacts on health and well-being, and the extent of its presence in our tap water supply.
Let's start with the basics. What is chlorine exactly?
Chlorine is a chemical element known for its potent oxidizing properties. It naturally exists as a gas, notorious for its toxicity and instability. Interestingly, chlorine is abundantly found in our oceans and serves as a crucial element in various applications. From being a component in sodium chloride (commonly known as table salt) to playing a role in the production of PVC pipes, plastics, medications, and even seat cushions and bumpers, chlorine finds its way into many facets of our daily lives.
Understanding Chlorine in Drinking Water
Ever wondered why chlorine is added to your drinking water? At water treatment facilities, chlorine (in either its gaseous form, Cl2, or as hypochlorite, a chlorine-oxygen ion) is carefully introduced into the water. Through a pressurization process, gaseous chlorine transforms into a liquid before being mixed with the water. Why chlorine, you ask? Its chemical properties are adept at neutralizing bacteria, microbes, and pathogens present in water sources. By effectively disinfecting the water supply, chlorine plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as salmonella, typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.
But here's the catch: Despite chlorine's effectiveness, some bacteria may persist in the water. Factors like chlorine degradation or microorganisms entering the water during its journey from the treatment plant to your home can contribute to this. Thus, while chlorine significantly reduces microbial threats, it's essential to remain vigilant about water quality.
Exploring the Adverse Aesthetic Effects of Chlorine Overexposure
Beyond its distinctive taste and odor, chlorine's reactive properties can lead to the formation of potentially harmful byproducts, with noticeable consequences for your skin and hair:
According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (ACAAI), prolonged exposure to chlorinated water during activities such as swimming, bathing, or showering can result in irritant dermatitis. This condition often manifests as itchy, red spots, dryness, or even hives.
Additionally, chlorine has a tendency to strip away the natural oils, like "sebum," that naturally protect your skin and hair. As highlighted by health professionals from Columbia University, this loss of protective coating can leave your hair brittle and dull, robbing it of its natural shine and vitality.
Chlorine Concentrations in Your Water
Determining the exact amount of chlorine in your water can be challenging, as it varies from one district to another. However, there are general guidelines to consider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the maximum safe chlorine concentration for human consumption is 4 milligrams per liter, or 4 parts per million (ppm). The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that typical water treated with chlorine contains the chemical at concentrations between 0.2 and 1 ppm.
Lowering Chlorine Levels in Your Water
If you've found that your water has higher-than-desired chlorine levels, there are various approaches you can take to reduce its concentration before use. Here's a breakdown of options, ranging from traditional to more practical:
Traditional Evaporation Method:
While it may seem like a relic of the past, the evaporation method has its place. Admittedly, it may not be the most practical solution for modern households that rely heavily on water for various purposes throughout the day. However, it's worth noting that chlorine will naturally evaporate from your tap water once it's exposed to the air, making it an option worth considering. Interestingly, if you allow a gallon of water to sit for 24 hours, the chlorine content will completely evaporate. This timeframe can serve as a useful guideline for those considering this method.
Boiling Your Water:
Boiling water can indeed decrease the chlorine content in your tap water, although it may not completely eliminate it. It's important to note that boiling will not affect the chlorine levels in your shower water. However, it's essential to consider the time required for this method. According to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), boiling water for 20 minutes can effectively remove chloramine and ammonia from tap water. While their findings regarding chlorine removal were less conclusive, dedicating 20 minutes to this process can still yield benefits.
Moving Beyond Impracticalities, Let's Talk Filters!
Carbon filter technology, inspired by ancient practices of water storage in charcoal by the Egyptians, has evolved significantly. Widely used in water purification, carbon filters effectively reduce chlorine content, as well as the taste and odor associated with it and disinfection by-products (DBPs).
The prevalent type of carbon filter today is the activated carbon filter, utilizing granular activated carbon media to target various contaminants in water.
A more advanced variant, catalytic activated carbon filtration, is less common but highly effective. Utilized by Pentair Water Solutions, these filters boast a superior chlorine reduction capacity. They also target trihalomethanes (THMs) and chloramines due to their unique carbon structure, modified through specialized activation and manufacturing processes.
Disclaimer: The FDA has not reviewed the information on this website. Products offered for sale herein are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. No medical claims are being made or implied. Contaminants mentioned are not necessarily in your water.