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Inhalable Water Droplets You think that the biggest threat to your health when taking a shower comes from slipping on a bar of soap? Well, guess again. Using a device called an optical particle counter the researchers tested a number of shower nozzles, both of adjustable and fix-spray styles. They found that some products create droplets less than 10 microns in diameter-small enough to be inhaled. Thats problem, the researchers theorise, because the water may contain trace of chemicals used by treatment facilities to kill microbes and bacteria in the water. These organic compounds are relatively safe to take in by drinking, but may not be safe to inhale. All of this doesnt mean you should skip your morning shower just yet. More research is needed, cautious oak ridge institute scientist Virendra Sethi says, before anyone can determine just how seriousor insignificantthese health risks may be. Moreover, not all water-conserving nozzles produce inhalable droplets. It all depends on the design of the nozzle, says Sethi. Right now there is no way for consumers to know which nozzle produce these tiny drops. We are working to develop specifications for shower head designs that would not generate droplets in the inhalable size range, he adds. A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned A Right B Wrong C Not mentioned | 
