In a 1987 study by the National Cancer Institute, the EPA found an increased risk of bladder cancer with long term consumption of household chlorinated tap water. The EPA says that chlorine is right behind cigarette smoke in leading causes of cancer. An experiment was done on chickens by adding chlorine to their water. The results showed that 95% of them developed terrible atherosclerosis.

Two-thirds of harmful chlorine exposure comes from taking a basic shower. Surprisingly, a 15 minute steamy shower is literally equal to drinking 8 glasses of water. This is due to the fact that the vapors you inhale contain the shower water itself. Because of this issue, almost every home has some type of detectable trace of chlorine in the air. This is because chlorine vaporizes in steam and combines with other organic compounds into chloroform. Chloroform is known to be strong respiratory irritant and causes fatigue. A warm shower opens your pores and allows a high level of absorption. 98% of the water goes down the drain, while about 85% of the chemicals vaporize before the water even hits the ground. After all this, the vapors still remain in the air.

Due to chlorine and the combination of many chemicals used in household cleaning products, the average household air is 5 times more toxic than outdoor. Cancer has been shown to grow twice as fast indoors than outdoors. Taking a shower or bath in chlorinated water also strips the natural protective oils on your skin causing scaling and itching. This is a major problem for those who suffer with eczema.

Just remember to always be cautious as to the type of water you are using to shower. Make sure to use a moisturizer after a shower to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

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