It seems that which is used to 'clean' tap water is that which also produces adverse health effects.
In order to prevent microbiological contamination, governmental programs have treated tap water with a variety of disinfectants. These chemicals, like chlorine and chlorine dioxide, may mix with organic and inorganic matter within water to create 'disinfection by-products', or DBPs. The most abundant by-products are trihalomethanes, or THMs.
Although studying the exact effects of these by-products has proven difficult, researchers have determined at least two specific health effects: increased bladder cancer risk and congenital abnormalities, or birth defects.
The following articles from scientific journals provide further information about THMs:
THMs and Birth Defects
Righi, E et al. 2012. Environmental Research.
THMs and Bladder Cancer
Villanueva, CM et al. 2004. Epidemiology.
Know the facts. Use a filter.
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