While disinfection protects against serious infections, chemicals like chlorine and chloramine can create unintended problems:

Health risks from exposure include:

• Dry, irritated, or sensitive skin
• Worsening of eczema or psoriasis
• Respiratory issues from inhaling vaporized chemicals (especially in hot showers)
• Long-term exposure to disinfection byproducts (like trihalomethanes, or THMs) is linked to increased cancer risk and reproductive problems

High-risk groups:

• Individuals with autoimmune conditions
• Children and infants (higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio)
• People with respiratory conditions like asthma

Important takeaway:

Reducing exposure to disinfection chemicals can improve both immediate skin health and reduce long-term health risks.