How chlorine and fluoride in tap water affect your health
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This clip is from "How Bad Is Tap Water for Health? " by Dr. Andrew Huberman, We highly recommend subscribing to Andrew Huberman’s channel to enhance your quality of life.
Chlorine is commonly used as disinfectanSt in tap water.
Fluoride 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L fluoride was added to tap water to prevent tooth decay in Australia since 1950
- THMs: Compounds like chloroform and bromoform formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water.
- HAAs: Chlorination byproducts including dichloroacetic acid, also produced from chlorine reacting with organic matter.
- Cancer Risks: Long-term THM exposure may increase bladder cancer risk; HAAs linked to liver and kidney cancer in animal studies.
- Reproductive Health: High THM concentrations may cause issues like miscarriage and low birth weight; effects vary by concentration and individual health.
- Genotoxicity: HAAs may damage DNA, raising health concerns.
- Exposure Routes: Ingestion, skin contact (showers), and inhalation (heated water increases volatility).
- Thyroid Function: Long-term fluoride exposure may suppress thyroid hormone production, increasing hypothyroidism risk.
- Iodine Interaction: High fluoride levels can worsen iodine deficiency-related thyroid issues.
- Reproductive Health: Long-term exposure may impair male and female reproductive functions, reducing sperm quality and affecting testosterone.
- Female Health: May cause menstrual irregularities and hormone fluctuations.
- Developmental Risks: Potential fetal development impacts; some studies suggest a link to reduced IQ in children due to fluoride exposure.