By The Sampadak Express
A new study has found a concerning link between exposure to chlorinated water and an increased risk of bladder cancer, highlighting the potential dangers of inhaling or absorbing disinfection by-products from water. The study suggests that drinking, bathing, and swimming in chlorinated water could elevate the risk of developing bladder cancer, with the most significant danger coming from chemicals formed during the water chlorination process.
Dr. Cristina M. Villanueva, a researcher at the Municipal Institute of Medical Research in Barcelona, and her team conducted the study, marking the first time that chlorinated water chemicals have been shown to pose a risk when absorbed through the skin or inhaled, in addition to when ingested. The chemicals responsible for this risk, mainly chlorine, are commonly used to disinfect water, but they produce by-products called trihalomethanes (THMs) that have been associated with an increased cancer risk.
How Chlorination By-products Affect Health
Trihalomethanes are the most prevalent by-products created during the chlorination of water. These chemicals can be absorbed into the body not only through drinking contaminated water but also through the skin during activities like bathing and swimming, or via inhalation while showering. The study revealed that these chemicals can have a significant impact on cancer risk, as they may enter the bloodstream without undergoing detoxification by the liver, which typically helps reduce their harmful effects when consumed orally.
Study Design and Findings
To investigate the link between THM exposure and bladder cancer, the researchers compared 1,219 men and women diagnosed with bladder cancer to 1,271 individuals without the disease. The study participants were surveyed about their exposure to chlorinated water from various sources, including drinking water, swimming pools, and showering or bathing. In addition, the research team analyzed the average THM levels in the water of 123 municipalities across the study area.
The results showed a clear connection between higher THM levels in water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Individuals living in households where the average THM concentration was above 49 micrograms per liter had double the risk of developing bladder cancer compared to those living in households with THM levels below 8 micrograms per liter. It is important to note that THM levels around 50 micrograms per liter are commonly found in industrialized societies.
Impact of Different Water-Related Activities
The study also revealed that different activities involving chlorinated water were linked to varying levels of cancer risk. For instance, participants who drank chlorinated water were 35% more likely to develop bladder cancer compared to those who did not consume chlorinated water. The risk was even higher for those who used swimming pools, which increased bladder cancer risk by 57%. Additionally, individuals who spent longer periods in the shower or bath, combined with living in areas with higher THM levels, were also at an increased risk.
Health Implications and Recommendations
The findings of this study have significant public health implications. The researchers emphasize that the risks associated with chlorinated water exposure—especially from inhalation or skin absorption of THMs—may be more harmful than previously thought. If these findings are confirmed by further studies, there may be a need to reconsider current water treatment practices and explore safer alternatives for disinfecting water.
The study underscores the importance of continued research into the health effects of water disinfection by-products, as well as the potential need for changes in public health guidelines to reduce exposure to these chemicals. It also highlights the need for individuals to be aware of the risks of chlorinated water in everyday activities and consider strategies for minimizing exposure, such as using water filters or limiting time spent in chlorinated pools.
In conclusion, the researchers warn that while chlorinated water plays a critical role in preventing waterborne diseases, it may come with a hidden cancer risk that could have far-reaching consequences for public health if not addressed.
