Chlorite in Your Water
Chlorite is a chemical compound often found in tap water as a byproduct of chlorine dioxide disinfection. When municipalities use chlorine dioxide to treat drinking water, chlorite can form as a result of the breakdown of this disinfectant. While chlorine dioxide is effective at killing bacteria and viruses, the formation of chlorite poses its own health concerns. Be sure that your water is safe, and schedule a free water test with us, by clicking here.
Health Risks of Chlorite Exposure
Chlorite is known to have several harmful effects on human health. Long-term exposure can lead to damage to red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. For infants and young children, exposure to chlorite can cause developmental delays and other neurological damage. Chlorite can also irritate the skin and mucous membranes, making both drinking and bathing in contaminated water potentially harmful. However, drinking chlorite-contaminated water poses a more significant risk since it directly enters the bloodstream and internal organs.
How Did Chlorite Get in Our Tap Water?
Chlorite forms when chlorine dioxide, a disinfectant used by many municipal water utilities, reacts with organic matter in water. Although chlorine dioxide is a powerful disinfectant, its breakdown into chlorite is an unintended consequence. Despite knowing the risks, many water systems continue using chlorine dioxide due to its cost-effectiveness and efficacy in killing pathogens.
Is Bathing or Drinking More Dangerous?
While both bathing in and drinking chlorite-contaminated water can pose health risks, drinking contaminated water is typically more dangerous. This is because ingested chlorite is absorbed into the bloodstream and can reach all body organs. Bathing in water with high chlorite levels can cause skin and eye irritation, but it does not usually lead to the same level of internal damage.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Chlorite?
Installing a high-quality water purifier is the best way to remove chlorite from your tap water, like the ones here. Advanced purifiers use multi-stage filtration, including activated carbon and reverse osmosis, to effectively eliminate chlorite and other contaminants. Unlike standard filters, which might not catch all harmful chemicals, a water purifier is specifically designed to provide comprehensive water quality protection.
Why a Free Water Test is Essential
A water test is the first step in understanding what contaminants may be lurking in your tap water, including chlorite. Regular testing can help detect changes in water quality and ensure that your water treatment systems are working effectively. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in protecting your family’s health.
Schedule A TestDon’t wait for the health effects to appear—schedule a free water test with us today to ensure your tap water is free of chlorite and other dangerous contaminants!