The city must replace the pipes if excessive lead continues to show up. Unfortunately for Chicagoans, the EPA doesn't require that the job be completed until the year 2013. The drinking of Chlorinated water has finally been officially linked to an increased incidence of Colon Cancer. Some 45,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with bladder cancer. The major health threat posed by these pollutants is far more likely to be from their inhalation as air pollutants.
Volatile organics can evaporate from water in a shower or bath.
A long, hot shower can be dangerous. The toxic chemicals are inhaled in high concentrations.