WHAT IS CHLORINE? - Water Analytics Indonesia

CLEARING THE AIR ABOUT CHLORINE: BEYOND THE POOL

Yes, that’s right. Chlorine again. This is the official fragrance of swimming pools around the world. Apart from its distinct odour, chlorine conjures up memories of our parents cautioning to “Close your eyes underwater”. While chlorine’s most well-known application is sanitizing swimming pools, it isn’t the only sort of water that may be treated with it. In fact, chlorine is present in practically all Indonesian taps. Most public water systems would also use chlorine as a disinfectant.

FIRST THINGS FIRST. WHAT, EXACTLY, IS CHLORINE?

Chlorine is a chemical that has a high oxidising power. It is a gas in its natural state, which is highly poisonous and unstable. Chlorine is an important element with numerous practical applications, the most popular of which is sodium chloride, also known as table salt, which is highly concentrated in our seas. When we shake things up a little further, we discover that chlorine is used in the production of PVC pipes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, seat cushions, and bumpers.

THE HARMFUL AESTHETIC EFFECTS OF TOO MUCH CHLORINE.

Chlorine’s volatile chemical nature means it can react and produce potentially dangerous byproducts, in addition to its taste and odour. The affects on your skin and hair are the most significant noticeable.

Swimming, bathing, and showering in chlorinated water can induce irritant dermatitis, which causes itchy, red areas, dry skin, and hives according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (ACAAI).
It’s also bad for your follicles, because your body creates a thin protective layer of oil called “sebum” that coats your skin and hair. Chlorinated water can strip away some of this protective layer, leaving your hair vulnerable to harm. Natural oils can make your hair brittle and cause its natural gloss to fade according to Columbia University health authorities.