For most of us, cleaning our hands or face with hot water is considered an essential hygiene routine. However, recent studies show that there could be hidden health hazards associated with using hot tap water.

It is important for us to know more about these dangers so as to protect ourselves and our families.

What is hot tap water?

Hot tap water refers to the heated water that comes out of our faucets when we turn on the hot water tap. This water is typically heated in our hot water tanks or boilers, and then travels through pipes to our different taps.

What are the dangers of using hot tap water?

Several studies have revealed health hazards associated with using hot tap water for hygiene. These dangers include:.

1. Scalding

Hot tap water can cause serious burns or scalds. This is particularly dangerous for children, seniors, and people with disabilities who may have difficulty sensing water temperature or moving quickly out of harm’s way.

The risk of scalding is higher when hot tap water is used for bathing, rather than for hand washing or dish washing.

2. Bacterial contamination

Hot tap water can harbor dangerous bacteria such as Legionella, which cause Legionnaire’s disease. This bacterium grows well in warm water, and can be inhaled through steam or mist.

Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease include coughing, fever, chills, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia or even death.

3. Chemical contamination

Hot tap water can also contain high levels of lead or other harmful chemicals. Lead can leach from pipes and fixtures, especially in older homes or buildings.

Exposure to lead can cause developmental problems, cognitive impairment, and other health issues. Other chemicals that may be present in hot tap water include arsenic, copper, and manganese. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, stomach upset, and other adverse effects.

4. Environmental impact

Using hot tap water for hygiene also has an environmental impact. It requires energy to heat the water, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Additionally, hot water usage raises our utility bills and depletes our natural resources.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Despite the dangers associated with hot tap water, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our families:.

1. Adjust water temperature

Setting our hot water heater thermostat to a maximum temperature of 120°F (48°C) can help minimize the risk of scalding. This temperature is hot enough for hygiene purposes, but not hot enough to cause burns.

We can also install anti-scald devices on our faucets and showerheads to regulate water temperature.

2. Use cold or lukewarm water for hand washing

Cold or lukewarm water is just as effective as hot water for cleaning our hands. In fact, hot water can strip away natural oils from our skin, causing dryness and irritation. Using cold or lukewarm water can help protect our skin and save energy.

3. Run hot water regularly

To minimize the risk of bacterial contamination, run hot water for at least 5-10 minutes before use. This can flush out any stagnant water that may contain bacteria or other contaminants.

This is particularly important if we have been away from home for an extended period.

4. Test water for lead and other chemicals

If we suspect that our hot tap water may contain lead or other harmful chemicals, we can test the water using a home testing kit or by contacting our local water utility.

If lead is found, we can replace any old lead pipes or faucets, and install a water filtration system.

Conclusion

While many of us have grown up believing that hot tap water is the only way to stay hygienic, recent scientific studies show that it may pose hidden health hazards.

By taking simple precautions such as lowering our water temperature, using cold or lukewarm water for hand washing, running water regularly, and testing water for contaminants, we can protect ourselves and the environment.