Chlorine Causes Cancer
Public water treatment systems rely on chlorine to kill harmful bacteria. Until recently, concerns about drinking water focused on eliminating pathogens. Chlorination of drinking water was a major factor in the reduction in the mortality rates associated with waterborne pathogens. The use of chlorine was believed to be safe until recent years, when halogenated organic compounds, such as chloroform, were identified in chlorinated drinking water supplies. Recent surveys show that these compounds are common in water supplies throughout the North America. These concerns about cancer risks associated with chemical contamination from chlorination by-products have resulted in numerous epidemiological studies. These studies generally support the notion that by-products of chlorination are associated with increased risk of cancer and other health problems. These risks arise from both drinking and bathing in chlorinated water.
Following are quotes from a variety of sources:
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, Jan 18, 2007 "Drinking, bathing or swimming in chlorinated water may increase the risk of bladder cancer, a new study shows."
U.S. COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: "Cancer rates for people on chlorinated water systems is 93% higher than for those on non-chlorinated water systems..."
DR. J.M. PRICE, MD: "Cancer risks among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine."
NEW SCIENTIST 18 September 1986 - Ian Anderson "Studies indicates the suspect chemicals can also be inhaled and absorbed through the skin during showering and bathing." "Ironically, even the chlorine widely used to disinfect water produces Carcinogenic traces." "Though 7 out of 10 Americans drink chlorinated water, its safety over long term is uncertain." "Drinking chlorinated water may as much as double the risk of Bladder Cancer, which strikes 40,000 people a year."
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