Is Chlorine in Your Shower Making You Sick? Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first saw the demo, I was stunned.
I had always thought that as long as I drank filtered water, I was safe. But what I didn’t realise — and what many people still overlook — is that the water we shower and bathe in can matter just as much.
Your skin is your largest organ. It’s not just a barrier — it’s an entry point.
Hot showers open your pores and vaporize water into a mist of chlorine, by-products, and volatile compounds. What you inhale and absorb during those few minutes can accumulate over time — impacting your skin, your respiratory system, and even your hormones.
Let’s take a closer look at what chlorine exposure from bathing might mean for your long-term health — and how you can protect yourself and your family.
🫁 1. Chlorine Absorbs Quickly Through the Skin
A widely cited study in the American Journal of Public Health found that up to two-thirds of chlorine exposure may come not from drinking water — but from skin absorption and inhalation during showers.
This is especially relevant for children and people with sensitive skin, eczema, or asthma.
❤️ 2. Chlorine & Circulatory Stress
Dr. Joseph Price, a cardiovascular researcher, ran a series of animal studies showing that animals exposed to chlorinated water developed circulatory disease, slower growth, and poor vitality — especially in colder weather.
Why? Chlorine acts as a pro-oxidant, creating free radicals that damage blood vessel walls and promote inflammation. It may also bind with calcium in the bloodstream, contributing to plaque buildup.
🦠 3. Chlorine Disrupts Gut Flora
Chlorine doesn’t discriminate — it kills good bacteria as well as bad.
Ongoing exposure (even through bathing) may contribute to:
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Reduced microbial diversity
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Impaired immune response
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Digestive upset or food sensitivities
The gut microbiome is now understood to be a cornerstone of whole-body health — and chlorine may be silently disrupting it.
🧪 4. Chlorine Can Create Carcinogenic By-Products
When chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it creates trihalomethanes (THMs) — a class of known carcinogens.
Studies have linked long-term exposure to THMs with:
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Increased risk of bladder, breast, and rectal cancers
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Higher concentrations of chlorination by-products in women with breast cancer
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Negative effects on skin, hair, and respiratory systems
Dr. Robert Carlson from the University of Minnesota compared chlorine exposure to air pollution in its systemic effects.
💧 So, What Can You Do?
You don’t need to panic — just make smart, preventative changes.
Chlorine is easy to remove with high-quality carbon filtration, either at the point of use or throughout your home.
🚿 Ionza’s Solutions for Chlorine-Free Showers & Whole-Home Protection
✅ Kleenplus Shower Filter
An easy, affordable way to reduce chlorine exposure — right where it matters most: in the shower.
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Installs easily on your showerhead
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Reduces chlorine, odour, and irritation
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Helps relieve dry skin, scalp issues, and supports healthy hair
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A great entry-level option for renters or families
➡ Shop Kleenplus Shower Filter →
🏠 LifeSpring Whole House Filtration – Tailored to Your Water Source
Protect your entire home from chlorine, chemicals, and sediment — whether you're on town supply or rural tank water.
🔹 For Town Supply Users:
LifeSpring Whole House Filtration System – Town Supply
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Designed for chlorinated city or town water
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Twin-stage system removes chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and sediment
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Enhances water quality at every tap — including showers, kitchen, and laundry
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Improves smell, taste, and is gentler on skin and appliances
🔹 For Rural or Tank Water Users:
LifeSpring Whole House Filtration System – Rural Supply
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Designed for rainwater tanks, bore water, and other untreated sources
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Twin-stage system handles sediment, bacteria, organic matter, and odours
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Ideal for rural homes or baches relying on natural water collection
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Pairs well with a UV system if added biological protection is needed
Whether you're on the grid or off, you can enjoy chlorine-free, fresh-feeling water — in every shower, bath, and sink.
🧠 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight — but small changes, like switching your shower filter, can make a big difference over time.
Clean, chlorine-free water supports:
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Clearer skin and stronger hair
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Better respiratory comfort
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Balanced microbiome and immunity
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Peace of mind for your family
📚 Sources:
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or treatment options.