Trihalomethanes are a by-product of chlorine used to disinfect the water. They occur when Chlorine* the chemical used to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, reacts with organic material in the water, such as decomposed particles to form unpredictable and unsafe compounds.
Scientific studies suggest that the contaminants “aren’t an immediate health threat” but it does build up in the body over time, and as we all drink water and bathe in it every day, we are continually exposed to the risk. Trihalomethanes in the body are a chronic problem and generally goes undiagnosed as the source of illness and even when it is diagnosed it can take months or even years to treat.
"It’s really a balancing act with chlorine because it’s a great disinfectant; you can’t completely take it out because then you’d have a problem with other contaminants growing in the water," One suggestion on THM's reduction is to add more chemicals to our drinking water, by mixing “Ammonia” with Chlorine to stop the chlorine from interacting with the organic material.
Since Chlorine has to be added to the water supply, (if only to protect the pipes) leading from the water treatment plants to outlet taps, there will always be an health issue, so fitting a POU (point of use) filtration or purification unit prior to the drinking water tap is a very valuable addition to the home, office or any where drinking water is drawn from. With the right choice a wide range of pollutions and toxins can be removed or reduced to such low levels as to be insignificant.
Since the early 1980’s scientists have known that the presence of free residual Chlorine in water is a primary cause of the development of Atherosclerosis, it causes fats to form as cholesterol deposits known as plaque and it is plaque that clogs arteries resulting in heart attacks and strokes.
Further scientific studies show that Chlorine destroys vitamin E an essential antioxidant, the lack of this vitamin impedes heart muscle function, weakens capillary walls and constricts blood vessels, thereby elevating blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease, there are also many studies that link Chlorine with cancer and heart failure.
It is fair to say until the water authorities are willing to use safer methods to keep disease out or our water pipes it will become the responsibility of the concerned householder to remove Chlorine from drinking water at the point of use, the kitchen tap, through filtration or other safe methods, there may also be a case for removing is prior to bathing or showering in it. Activated Carbon filters can be used to remove Chlorine and its by-products, if you choose to use such a filter it is essential to follow the manufacturers instruction.
*Chlorine a life saver and a powerful poison
Since the beginning of the 1890’s Chlorine has been used as a very powerful disinfectant to control various diseases and has been added to water supplies to control such diseases as Cholera, Dysentery, typhoid fever, it will also kill human beings!
Although Chlorine has proven to be a tremendously important element in controlling water borne diseases it has also been shown to be an health hazard in its own right, and should not be aloud to come into contact with the skin, should not be breathed in nor should it be drunk even in the small amounts that can be found in our household drinking water.
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