Rainbow Village

Swimming pool employees and swimmers have reported cases where they experience asthma attacks whenever they go near or swim in a pool. Some swimmers have even complained of suffering from skin rashes or irritation. The number of these incidences or cases was quite noticeable that it warranted studies or research to be conducted (nhs.uk/news/2009/09September and swimming.about.com)

Chlorine was identified as the cause of the problem and that the severity of the asthma attack is dependent on how much chlorine is applied. Hold on! Don’t work yourself into a turmoil instead you should read this article then be the one to decide if there really is a reason to worry.

Chlorine-based pool chemicals are the most commonly used to clean, sanitize, and disinfect public and private swimming pools. The public, in general, are not aware that chlorine-based swimming pool chemicals can have an undesired effect on the body. Unfortunately, you don’t even have to be really swimming in the pool to experience the side effects. Being anywhere near a chlorine-treated swimming pool can also have the same effect, particularly if there is poor ventilation (for indoor pools).

Chlorine and organic wastes that have been introduced by the swimmers in the pool water are the main causal factors. Toxic chlorine by-products are produced by the combination of chlorine and organic wastes. These include aldehydes, chloroform, chloramines, and nitrogen trichloride.

One can use bromine tablets as another type of swimming pool chemical in addition to constantly and closely monitoring the pool’s chlorine concentration.

Now you know that if you or anyone you know begin to experience shortness of breath during swimming, getting out of the pool is the best option. Try to find a spot where you can breathe in fresh air then go for a refreshing shower to cleanse your body of any chlorine by-product.

Scientists and health enthusiasts have always maintained that swimming is beneficial for the human body. Swimming can help tone the muscles of the body without causing injuries that are sometimes acquired through incorrect body posture while doing land-based exercises.

Your lungs can be strengthened by taking a swim since deep breathing is required to be able to swim beneath the water and not come up for air as much as possible.

Physical therapists always recommend athletes that are recovering from an injury to strengthen their body by swimming or doing water-based exercises that have been proven to be low-impact.

Remember that your body may have a reaction to the swimming pool chemicals that are used to maintain the cleanliness of the pool and make it safe for swimming.

There have been instances that the frequently used chemical chlorine can cause redness of the skin, difficulty in breathing, and itchiness. This sort of reaction by your body may indicate that you are allergic to chlorine. Bromine tablets can be used instead of chlorine, this may help; recurring exposure to something you are allergic to, can cause rashes or skin irritation.

Studies have been conducted on chlorine-treated pools and the results show that chlorine by-products are produced when chlorine reacts to organic wastes that are introduced by humans into the pool water. These chlorine by-products are the ones that are deemed harmful to humans, which is why a swimmer might suddenly find oneself experiencing an asthma attack. Bromine, another pool chemical, can also have a negative effect when it is applied at a higher than the recommended dose. It can cause skin irritation, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and even fatigue.

If you own the pool and have an allergic response then, try to find an alternative to chlorine- or bromine-based pool chemicals to clean and sanitize your pool. Examples are ozone or ultraviolet technology, which does not necessitate the addition of swimming pool chemicals. If you frequent public swimming pools, be sure to appropriately wash and rinse off the swimming pool chemicals from your skin.

Swimming still remains as a healthy type of recreation and there is no need to panic as long as you do take the necessary steps to keeping yourself healthy.