How dangerous is tap water for showering, these days? That's a good question. If you have specific health conditions today, it could be very hazardous. But, if you are currently healthy and you want to protect your future health, shower water filters are a good investment.

Originally, they were used mostly by the wealthy who wanted to protect their skin and hair from the dulling, drying effects of chlorine. Now, because of numerous scientific studies, we have realized that a shower filter is a health aid, as well as a beauty aid. Let's look at some specific health questions.

If I have asthma, how dangerous is tap water for showering?

Professionals who maintain indoor swimming pools have known for years that chlorine vapors trigger asthma attacks. They currently monitor the levels in the air and close the pools when necessary.

In the US, the allowable levels of chlorine exceed those considered safe for swimming. The element is toxic to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. When you shower or bathe, chlorine vapors build up in the air in the bathroom, particularly in small enclosed shower stalls.

So, if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, you'll breathe a lot easier after you install shower water filters in your home.

If I'm healthy, how dangerous is tap water for showering?

The threat is to your future health. Chlorination creates cancer-causing byproducts called THMs. There is always some level in publicly treated supplies. The amount continues to grow, as long as the chlorine remains active.

Officials have set a "safe" limit for testing at public facilities, but that doesn't have anything to do with the amount that flows through your faucet. In addition, chlorine reacts with bacteria on your skin to release more of the byproducts. It also reacts with ingredients found in antibacterial soaps to form even more of them.

It is believed that the risk from showering in these carcinogens is greater than the risk of drinking them. Either way, I'd try to avoid them.

If I'm pregnant, how dangerous is tap water for showering?

It is believed that those THMs increase your risk of having a miscarriage or having a child with birth defects. Researchers don't always agree on this subject, but I choose to err on the side of caution. Protect your health in every way possible.

Now, not all shower water filters on the market remove THMs. Most of them reduce only chlorine, since that was the initial reason that people wanted them.

Only two products on the market effectively reduce chlorine, THMs and other chemical contaminants, as well as the heavy metal lead and the stain causing copper. One costs only $67. The other costs over $200.

It is made by the Wellness Company and the claims that the company makes are exaggerated. There is simply no reason to spend that kind of money.

Hopefully, that covers the question of how dangerous is tap water for showering. It's not a problem, as long as you have effective shower water filters in your home.