All drinking water including bottled water contains a certain amount of chemicals. At this point it is almost unavoidable. There are currently standards for 90 of these contaminants although there could be many more than that. One of these contaminants is called trihalomethanes, or THM’s they are a chemical compound comprised of four chemicals that are found in drinking water that has been treated with chlorine. They are considered ‘by-products’ of the chemical treatment process. They are caused when chlorine bonds with natural organic or in-organic matter in water systems. Trihalomethanes are known to cause dangerous side effects to the human body. Not only can these be ingested from drinking water, but also inhaled while bathing and from swimming in water that has been treated with chlorine.

Chlorine is used to treat drinking water because of its proven ability to kill dangerous pathogens found in water naturally, including diseases like cholera and dysentery. Government associations believe that the overall risks are not that high, maintaining that it would take decades of exposure to cause any real health risks.

Risks

The government has limits on the amount of Trihalomethanes that can be found in water systems. Currently the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA regulates trihalomethanes at an annual average level of 80 parts per billion, for large drinking water systems, small drinking water systems and all ground water systems. Local governments set these limits and every area is different. It is not believed that the amount inhaled from showering is harmful, but swimming poses a greater risk. Chlorine or trihalomethanes can be absorbed through the skin, giving higher levels of contamination especially in children.

Trihalomethanes are carcinogens, also referred to as organochlorides. This type of chemical does not degrade or get digested. Your body will store it in your fat tissues. They have been found to secrete through breast milk, blood and semen. These types of carcinogens have been shown to cause DNA mutations, interfere with the immune system and cell growth. Trihalomethanes are known to cause rectal, bladder and breast cancers. There is a higher risk of asthma when exposed to trihalomethanes as well as eczema, and eroding dental enamel. They are also proven to cause a higher rate of miscarriage and birth defects.

Avoiding the Risk

The good news is that trihalomethanes can be avoided. Using an activated carbon filter will remove them from drinking water. Many health care professionals feel that a whole house water filtration system is the best way to avoid interaction with these harmful carcinogens. But there are less expensive options as well. These compounds are volatile and leaving them in a water jug in the fridge for twenty four hours will cause most of the trihalomethanes to leave the water. Reverse osmosis filtration systems do not remove these chemicals.

Puronics of Arizona is the exclusive distributor of Puronics INC for Arizona faucet and water filtration systems, residential and commercial water conditioners, water softeners, drinking water systems, reverse osmosis for home and office plus many other water treatment and filtration systems. We offer Tuscon water treatment systems that are proven to reduce water problems and improve the quality of your drinking water.

Give us a call today to schedule your free water test 866-419-0777.
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By Michael M Ross