The Danger of Showers

I came across this little vignette from the USA the other day.

It seems that scientists over there have devoted their intellects to studying the effects of taking showers.

Their conclusion?

Taking regular showers could give you brain damage.

The scientists believe that breathing in small amounts of manganese, found in water, may harm the central nervous system.

Dr John Spangler, of Wake Forest University in New Carolina, said:

"If our results are confirmed, they could have profound implications for the world. Inhaling manganese, rather than eating or drinking it, is far more efficient at delivering it to the brain."

Manganese damages the brain causing learning difficulties, tremors and changes in behaviour.

Much like drinking.

Dr Spangler's team claim that a 10 minute shower a day, for 10 years, would expose children to three times higher doses than would be needed to damage a rat's brain. Adults with more years in the shower would receive doses 50% higher.

The fact that manganese is in food, rocks, soil, water and the air seems to have escaped the scientists.

Now, the reason that I am quoting an American study on this site is quite simply to give you all ample warning.

As sure as eggs are eggs, Nanny (or rather her chum the Smooth Talking Bar Steward Prescott) will come up with a daft new rule; which can be tagged on to the thermostat legislation that has recently been introduced.

Best have those showers now, whilst you are still allowed to.