The majority of US municipalities chlorinate our drinking water in order to disinfect it. The problem is that the byproducts of chlorine can cause harmful side effects such as dry skin, respiratory issues, cancer, and birth defects.
Chlorinated Water Linked to Birth Defects
Scientists at the University of Birmingham examined the birth records of 400,000 babies and found an alarming increase in birth defects in areas where the water was highly chlorinated. The chlorine byproduct trihalomethanes (THM’s) are readily absorbed by the body and pass through the placenta to the unborn baby, disrupting normal fetal development and creating a defect.
In another study, researchers in Italy found a link between congenital anomalies and the mother’s exposure to THMs, chlorite and chlorate in drinking water during the first trimester, while Norwegian researchers also came to the conclusion that there is a link between chlorinated water and birth defects in a separate study.
The highest incidence of defects include brain and spinal cord defects, cleft palates and heart problems.
The Solution: Water Filtration
The cheap pitcher and faucet filters on the market address the taste and odor of chlorine, but do not remove the chlorine itself. Therefore it is essential that pregnant women upgrade to a drinking water prefilter that removes chlorine.
Another way to reduce chlorine exposure is with a whole house filter and Chanson Spa Shower Filter which also addresses chlorine. This is because we can absorb chlorine through our skin when we bathe, as well as inhale it in the shower or even if we stand too close to a pot of boiling chlorinated water or toilet when it is flushed.
Protect your family and your unborn children from the harsh effects of chlorine with a Chanson Water filter today!
References:
Trihalomethanes, chlorite, chlorate in drinking water and risk of congenital anomalies: A population-based case-control study in Northern Italy. Righi, E, P Bechtold, D Tortorici, P Lauriola, E Calzolari, G Astolfi, MJ Nieuwenhuijsen, G Fantuzzi and G Aggazzotti. 2012.
Water disinfection by-products and the risk of specific birth defects: a population-based cross-sectional study in Taiwan. Bing-Fang Hwang, Jouni JK Jaakkola, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Water chlorination and birth defects. Magnus P, Jaakkola JJ, Skrondal A, Alexander J, Becher G, Krogh T, Dybing E. Department of Population Health Sciences, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. September 1999