Why does water need chlorine?

Water is an essential resource for life, but -in turn- if it is not disinfected or in a state of high purity it can be a carrier of diseases and bacteria harmful to human health. Chlorine is a chemical commonly used to treat water to kill contaminants and germs. However, there are concerns about the negative effects of chlorine on human health and the environment. It is necessary to know the ABC's of why water needs chlorine and why it is also important to remove it.

The first thing is to know why the water needs chlorine. This product has been used to treat water for over 100 years. It is an effective disinfectant that kills a wide variety of bacteria and viruses that may be present in water. Chlorine is added to water in small amounts to make sure it is safe to drink and for other uses, such as food preparation and personal hygiene.

The chemical works by penetrating bacteria and viruses to destroy them. It can also eradicate other products that may be present in the liquid, such as volatile organic compounds. Additionally, chlorine has the ability to remain in water and continue to kill germs over a period of time, ensuring it remains safe for use.

Now why remove chlorine from water? Despite its benefits such as the removal of contaminants and bacteria, there are some concerns about the negative effects of chlorine on health and the environment.

health effects

There are concerns about the long-term effects of chlorinated water consumption on human health. Some research claims that there is a correlation between the consumption of chlorinated water and an increased risk of bladder cancer and breast cancer. Additionally, chlorine can react with organic compounds in water to form disinfection byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (TMH), which are also associated with cancer.

Additionally, some people may be sensitive to chlorine and experience symptoms such as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, as well as headaches and nausea after consuming chlorinated water.

Similarly, it is associated with negative effects on the environment. Disinfection byproducts impact aquatic life, including fish and other organisms. Additionally, when chlorine combines with organic matter in water, it can form chloramines, affecting water quality and aquatic life.

How to remove chlorine from water?

There are several ways to remove chlorine from water. One of the most effective processes is through filtration. There are several types of water filters that can remove chlorine and other contaminants, including activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and those installed in showers to protect skin, hair, and human health.

At Sanaté , we want to advise you to take care of the members of your household and we offer you recommendations to do so.

Methods to remove chlorine from water

• Letting the water sit: An easy way to remove chlorine from the water is to let the water sit in an open container for several hours. During this time, the chlorine naturally evaporates from the water and its concentration will be reduced. Despite this, it may not be the most effective for removing large amounts, so it is best suited for situations where only a small amount needs to be removed. When taking several hours, it is advisable to leave the water to sit overnight to ensure that the chlorine evaporates.

Boil the water: Another method to eliminate it is to boil it. By applying this action, chlorine evaporates and its concentration is reduced. However, this method is also not very practical for large volumes of water and is only useful for small amounts such as cooking.

Activated Carbon Filter: In a way that delivers results, these filters use activated carbon to absorb chlorine from the water and remove it. It is effective and practical for home use.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): is a reducing agent that can neutralize chlorine in water. Adding a small amount of vitamin C in the form of tablets or lemon juice in reduces the amount of chlorine present in it.

• Filters in the shower: the cartridges have the ability to eliminate chlorine and allow people to bathe with highly purified water, protecting the skin, face, eyes and health. It is worth noting that these filters are easy to install and there is no need for a technician to do it. Its three pieces can be installed in just 30 seconds.

There are more reasons why your water needs chlorine and why remove chlorine from your water. For example, it can create a taste and odor in water, which can make it difficult to drink or cook with, by reacting with other compounds in water and creating disinfection byproducts, leading to other unpleasant tastes and odors.

If not in small amounts, it causes skin and eye irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin or skin diseases, leading to redness, itching and dryness, as well as tearing and redness.

One of the most serious problems is causing respiratory problems, since chlorine inhalation irritates the lungs and causes coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. This can be particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.

There is no doubt that chlorine is necessary to ensure the safety of the drinking water supply, but too much chlorine can have negative effects on health and the environment. It is important to follow the recommendations of the health authorities and use appropriate methods to remove excess chlorine from water before consuming it. Do not hesitate to use the different types of methods to remove the chemical and ensure your health with Sanaté shower filters.