Chlorinated Pools and Long Term Health Risks

Come summer break and warm sunshine, it is only natural that everyone heads for the pool. Children, almost without exception, love the sensation of cool water on their bodies on a hot day. Parents often join them and encourage this form of activity, as it is known to be an excellent form of exercise. But you, as a concerned parent, should be aware that there is a hidden danger not many know of when it comes to swimming pools that are chlorinated. Studies have shown that regular exposure to the chlorinated swimming pool environment may have long term health risks.



Chlorine has been used traditionally in the past to disinfect swimming pools the world over – and this chemical continues to be used to the present day for this purpose. It kills bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases. If chlorine were not used, public pools could very easily turn into health hazards, becoming prime sources for the spread of viral and bacterial disease epidemics.



Unfortunately, when exposed to organic matter, chlorine releases a host of volatile organic compounds. These include chloroform and trihalomethane, which are suspected to be carcinogens (cancer causing agents), as well as the byproduct chloramine. Chloramine is what gives a swimming pool its unmistakable "chlorine" smell.



What are the risks?



If you and your children frequently swim in a neighborhood swimming pool that is chlorinated, you run increased risk of being exposed to these volatile chemicals. The threat is even greater if you habitually visit a pool, which is located indoors. This is because indoor pools are not as well ventilated as outdoor ones, giving the volatile gases less of a chance to escape and more of an opportunity to be breathed in.



Inhaling these volatile gases over an extended period of time can lead to lung irritation. The main risk in the long run is developing a health condition affecting the respiratory system, like asthma. More than one study has shown the risk of developing asthma is higher in children regularly exposed to chlorine in pools. This is because immune systems are not fully developed in childhood. Similarly, swimming pool workers, especially those who work at indoor pools are also susceptible to respiratory problems.



What can we do to reduce the risk to our families?



So what can you, as a concerned parent, do? Obviously, no one would want to give up the very enjoyable and healthy activity of swimming. Unfortunately, we also have not discovered a safer, less hazardous alternative to using chlorine in pools. The simplest and most sensible measure would be to avoid poorly ventilated indoor swimming pools as far as possible. Instead, go for better ventilated outdoor pools.



Activities in swimming pools in summer time are cherished by children and adults alike. Even though there are some long term concerns around chlorine in pools, well maintained pools with a regularly checked chemical balance are quite safe to use. Choose a good swimming pool and enjoy your summers without any health worries.



For more information on swim spas in Toronto or custom pools in Toronto, contact a swimming pool specialist at Bonavista Pools.