How to Avoid Shower Filters that Don’t Remove Cancer Causing Chemicals

Written by: juliana.charriez.sh
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010

As you might guess, shower filters with a two stage or dual filter system provide considerably more protection against cancer-causing contaminants than a single filter. Chlorine shower filters with only one filter media can reduce the levels of certain contaminants like chlorine. However, they may leave other impurities in your water, particularly harmful synthetic chemicals like THMs (Trihalomethane). Unlike a shower water filter that utilizes only one filter media, brands like the Aquasana shower filter system use a two stage filtration process with two filter media.

When taking a warm shower, the pores of your skin open up more than usual. When this happens, it’s not just chlorine that is absorbed through your skin. There are over 2,100 toxic chemicals in your tap water that can cause cancer, according to the Ralph Nader Research Institute. Dermal absorption and inhalation of chlorine and other chemicals while showering have now been linked to breast cancer, bladder cancer, asthma and many other diseases. Most shower filters with a single filter media use only Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), which is generally effective at reducing chlorine and certain other organic contaminants. This leaves a lot to chance considering the massive amounts of harmful organic and synthetic chemicals that are coming from our showerheads and faucets.



For the best protection against absorbing and inhaling chemicals in your shower, research quality shower filters that feature a dual filter system. To show the power of a two stage shower filtration process, let’s look at the specifics of the Aquasana AQ-4100 Pure Shower Filter. Stage one utilizes 16 oz. of granular zinc and copper KDF media. Together, the zinc and copper create an electro-chemical reaction that can transform harmful contaminants into harmless particles. The result is that chlorine and dangerous chemicals are filtered out of the water by as much as 99%. Additionally, the pH of the water is also enhanced. The second filtration stage uses 7.2 oz. of carbonized coconut shell medium (GAC) for the removal of VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) and SOCs (Synthetic Organic Chemicals), such as THMs (Trihalomethanes).

While the threat of serious health conditions like cancer is enough to make many people see a shower filter as a necessity, the amazing cosmetic benefits that customers notice are easily worth the cost of a few pennies a day. If you have swum in a chlorinated pool, it is very likely that you noticed how it robs your skin and hair of moisture, and leaves your eyes red and irritated. However, many people are unaware that the chlorine level coming from a home shower head or sink faucet usually has as much or more chlorine than most swimming pools. Cosmetic conditions that occur from showering in chlorinated water can result in symptoms ranging from dandruff and irritated eyes to eczema and psoriasis. A quality 2-stage shower filter offers siginificantly better protection against minor and major health problems than a single media shower filter. When researching shower filtration systems, be sure to consider performance over time, ease-of-use, warranty, and of course, price.

To learn more about the Aquasana Pure Shower Filter that won the Consumers Digest Magazine's "Best Buy" award three years in a row (2006-2008), visit:

http://www.aquasanaforlife.com

David Hardt

Read also: