A hot bath may sound like a good idea during winter days. But now experts are warning about the practice, which could pose serious health risks to some. People should avoid taking long baths and make sure that the bathroom is adequately ventilated.

Many people enjoy hot baths in the winter, but doctors are warning against long baths due to the chlorine content in tap water.

When chlorine evaporates, carcinogenic trihalomethanes are produced. 80% of trihalomethanes in the air is absorbed into the body through breathing, while the remaining 20% is absorbed through the skin.

Doctors therefore recommend that baths last no longer than five minutes and installing ventilation fans in bathrooms.

When heating tap water, lids should be removed from pots once the water boils, and water should be heated for three to five minutes after it reaches boiling point.

To prevent the absorption of chlorine into the body, water should only boiled in well-ventilated areas.