Chlorine. We think of it as pool smell. As that thing in bleach. As what “keeps the water clean.” But here’s the truth: chlorine might disinfect, but it’s far from harmless. In fact, research has shown that chlorine and its byproducts can alter DNA and affect our systems in ways we don’t even see until years later.

Let’s break it down.

🧬 Chlorine and Your DNA

When chlorine reacts with organic matter (like skin cells, sweat, or even leaves in water), it creates chlorination byproducts, especially something called trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These have been shown in studies to cause DNA mutations in lab animals, and some evidence points toward similar risks in humans.

DNA damage means your cells aren’t repairing or replicating the way they should. Over time, that can raise your risk for things like:

Cancer Hormonal imbalances Reproductive issues

And guess what? Even just showering in chlorinated water can expose you. Your skin absorbs it. You inhale it. It gets in.

🫁 Chlorine Doesn’t Just Sit There

It messes with your:

Lungs – It’s an irritant. Asthma-like symptoms and chronic inflammation can show up in people who swim a lot or shower in chlorinated water daily.

Skin – It dries it out and damages your skin barrier. For people with eczema, chlorine can be a major trigger.

Gut – If you’re drinking chlorinated tap water regularly, that can throw off your gut bacteria and affect digestion, immunity, and even mood.

So… What Can You Do About It?

Not everyone can live off-grid with a natural spring (but hey, dream big). Here are some simple switches:

Install a chlorine filter on your showerhead and sink. Use a water filter for your drinking water (look for ones that remove chlorine and its byproducts). Air out the bathroom during and after showers – those chlorine vapors are real. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) neutralizes chlorine. Some people add it to baths or use sprays post-swim.

Final Thought

We’re not made to live in a chemical soup. Chlorine might be “normal” in the water supply, but that doesn’t make it safe long-term. Especially when it’s changing things at the DNA level.

Just because it doesn’t cause an immediate rash or reaction, doesn’t mean your body isn’t reacting.

Protect your system. You’re allowed to question what we’ve been told is “fine.”

Pool Water & Swimmer DNA Damage (2010) A trio of studies found that chlorination byproducts in pool water can cause subtle DNA damage in swimmers. It was suggested that chronic exposure may lead to larger health risks over time. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dna-damaging-disinfection-products-found-pool-water