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Most of us associate a long, relaxing soak in the bath with candlelight, soothing music and a few drops of our favourite essential oils.

Not many of us stop to think about the dangers associated with chlorine in our bath water. Most people don't realize that we absorb more chemicals through skin absorption and the inhalation of steam while showering and bathing than we do from drinking water.

Chlorine is regarded as one of the most important advances of modern civilisation as it disinfects the water and prevents would be outbreaks of waterborne disease like typhoid, dysentery and cholera that existed in the 1800's. Chlorine also controls and eliminates the growth of microbes such as Giardia and Ecoli.

New evidence suggests that despite its disinfectant properties, the addition of chlorine to our municipal water may adversely affect our health, especially in the long-term. There is much concern amongst experts about the harmful effects of chlorine. According to the US Council of Environmental Quality, the cancer risk amongst people drinking and absorbing chlorinated water is as much as 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine".

Elemental chlorine is extremely reactive and it combines with other natural compounds to form toxic by-products such as THMs (Trihalomethanes) and chlorinated hydrocarbons. TTHMs (Total Trihalomethanes) are a by-product of municipal water disinfection. These chlorine by-products trigger the production of free radicals in the body, causing cell damage, and are highly carcinogenic.

Why is bathing in chlorinated water so bad?

* A warm bath opens the skin's pores and allows for easier absorption of chlorine and other chemicals.

* The steam we inhale while bathing can contain up to 20 times the level of chlorine and other synthetic chemicals than tap water.

* Inhalation of chlorine and chemical vapors is a suspected cause of bronchitis and asthma in children.

* Chlorine attacks the skin's natural moisture barrier and dries the skin out.

* Chlorinated water can also irritate the eyes, leaving them red, itchy and burning.

As we become more aware of the health risks associated with chlorine in our water supply, more people every day are turning to water filters to provide them with clean drinking and shower water. Relatively few people are aware that a filter exists to remove virtually all chlorine from their bath water and is appropriately named the bath ball filter.

It doesn't make much sense to allow chlorinated water to splash all over your body, seeping into your eyes, ears and mouth. Bath water filters greatly reduce the symptoms associated with chlorine inhalation and irritation by removing more than 90% of chlorine found in the water.

So the next time you decide to have a long, relaxing soak in the bath, simply use your bath ball filter and make your bath experience fun, relaxing and safe again for the whole family.

About the author: Andie Klein is a Registered Nurse and webmaster of http://www.home-wat er-filter-guide.com, where you can learn more about the link between chlorine and cancer, the benefits of a bath water filter and more.