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Showers are bad for you – No they are not!
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A new scientific study from the USA suggests that if you stand in a shower, turn it on, and inhale some of the first spray of cold water you “might” breath in some bacteria deep into your lungs which “may not be too healthy” for you.
In the study, by scientists at the University of Colorado, just sixteen shower heads sampled from dozens in seven US states across America were found to contain traces of a bug which might explain why some people, particularly the elderly or pregnant, “may generally feel unwell.”
The report has obviously raised a few eyebrows on this side of the pond and has generated several calls from worried UK consumers to shower manufacturers based here. But the advised opinion of members of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association is that there is no need to panic.
Chris Taylor-Hamlin, technical executive of the BMA explains, “In the UK, all materials used in the manufacture of water fittings, including all shower heads, legally have to comply with the Water Fittings Regulations (or Byelaws in Scotland) and part of this compliance is to ensure that materials in contact with drinking water do not contaminate the water supply.”
UK regulations covering the design and installation of plumbing systems require the use of shower hoses and spray heads which do not contaminate the water.
The Government’s Guidance on how to comply with these Regulations recommends that plastics and other non-metallic materials in contact with water for domestic purposes should meet the requirements of British Standard BS 6920: 2000
Chris went on “Rigorous tests are employed in the UK to ensure that materials used do not support the growth of microbes which allow the formation of bacteria on them when in contact with water. These tests are not required in the US. This UK requirement alone will have a significant impact if a similar suitable study were to be repeated in the UK.”
If consumers are still concerned they should look to purchase water fitting products which have undergone independent third party approval such as Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) or Kiwa UK. Both schemes approve products to demonstrate compliance with the Water Fittings Regulations, including verification that the materials used in manufacturing the fittings do not support microbial growth.
UK Water Suppliers also give common-sense advice to customers to avoid exposure to stale water in plumbing systems which have not been used for some time. Customers are recommended to let taps or showers run for a minute or so.
The BMA’s conclusion to the matter is that by using WRAS or KIWA UK approved plumbing products and taking common-sense precautions to avoid exposure to stale water consumers will minimise any risks of the type referred to in the report.
Further Information
For further information please email info@bathroom-association.org.uk or
telephone 01782 747123 and visit www.bathroom-association.org

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