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| - Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking tap water or directly from the faucet contains chlorinated water is absorbed by the body and may cause harm to the body. We fact checked and found the claim to be Half True.
The Claim
A facebook video by the name Kim Roger posted a video of Gary Brecka talking about how drinking and swimming chlorinated water coming from the faucet harms people and within 60 seconds skin absorb chlorine.
Fact Check
Who is the claimant?
Gary Brecka is a professional Human Biologist and Co-Founder of 10X Health System in Miami, FL. He aims to empower individuals to achieve their full potential and optimal health.
What is chlorine?
Chlorine is a highly reactive chemical element. It is a greenish-yellow gas at room temperature, known for its strong, pungent odor. Widely used as a disinfectant, chlorine plays a crucial role in making water safe for drinking and swimming by killing harmful pathogens. Additionally, it serves as a bleaching agent in the production of paper and textiles and is a key component in manufacturing numerous chemicals, including PVC plastics and pesticides. Despite its usefulness, chlorine is toxic and can cause significant health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin irritation, if not handled properly. Naturally, chlorine is found abundantly in seawater as chloride ions and in various minerals like halite. Due to its reactive and hazardous nature, appropriate safety measures are essential when working with chlorine.
How chlorine can affect our body and skin?
Chlorine is commonly used for disinfecting water in swimming pools and drinking water supplies, but its effects on the body and skin can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure. Here’s an overview of how chlorine can impact both:
Effects on the Body
1. Respiratory System:
Inhalation: Breathing in chlorine gas or fumes, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, can irritate the respiratory tract. This may cause symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, exposure to high levels can lead to pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs).
2. Digestive System:
Ingestion: Consuming small amounts of chlorine in drinking water is generally considered safe, as it is present in low concentrations. However, ingesting higher concentrations, such as pool water, can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
3. Circulatory System:
Chlorine can form compounds called trihalomethanes (THMs) when it reacts with organic matter in water. Long-term exposure to THMs through drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Effects on the Skin
1. Irritation:
Dryness and Itching: Chlorine can strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. This is particularly common after swimming in chlorinated pools.
Rashes and Redness: Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can cause rashes, redness, and in some cases, eczema or dermatitis, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
2. Eye Irritation:
Chlorine can also irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and a burning sensation. Swimmers often experience these symptoms after spending time in chlorinated pools.
Does skin absorb chlorine?
Yes, but in very very small quantities. When you swim in a pool treated with chlorine or use chlorinated water for bathing or other purposes, your skin can come into contact with chlorine, leading to absorption. Here’s how it works:
1. Contact with Chlorinated Water: When your skin is in contact with chlorinated water, chlorine can penetrate the outer layers of the skin.
2. Chemical Reactions: Chlorine can react with the natural oils and proteins in the skin, which may lead to dryness and irritation.
3. Absorption: Small amounts of chlorine can pass through the skin barrier into the body. While the amount absorbed is generally low, prolonged or repeated exposure can increase absorption.
4. Health Effects: The absorbed chlorine can contribute to various health effects, such as skin irritation, dryness, and, in some cases, eczema or dermatitis. For most people, occasional exposure is not harmful, but those with sensitive skin or allergies may experience more significant reactions.
To minimize chlorine absorption, it’s advisable to rinse off with fresh water after swimming in a chlorinated pool, use moisturizers to protect the skin barrier, and consider using chlorine-neutralizing products or swimming in pools treated with alternative disinfectants if you have sensitive skin.
What does an expert say?
Dr Sachin Gupta, Dermatologist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, “The idea that skin absorb chlorine during showering or swimming is not strongly supported by evidence. Chlorine in water mainly exists in forms that do not easily penetrate the skin, which acts as a strong barrier. Small amounts can pass through, but the body quickly gets rid of them.” Most exposure to chlorine happens through inhaling chlorine gas that evaporates from the water, especially in indoor pools or during hot showers. This can irritate your lungs and airways. Skin exposure to chlorinated water can cause dryness, irritation, and worsen conditions like eczema. These effects are due to chlorine interacting with the skin’s surface rather than being deeply absorbed. For most people, this exposure is minimal and not a major concern. However, for swimming instructors, pool staff, and competitive swimmers who spend a lot of time in chlorinated water, the effects might be more significant. To reduce these effects, it’s helpful to use a shower filter, shower before and after swimming, and keep your skin moisturized.
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