The Dangers Of Swimming Pool Chemicals
Swimming pools are fun, great exercise, and the perfect accompaninant to summer activities. Children and adults all over spend hours at a time in swimming pools with no regard to all of the chemicals that are effectively keeping the pools safe for swimming. According to a new federal study, more than 28 thousand injuries and illnesses are caused by swimming pool chemicals in the United States between 2002 and 2008. Most cases occurred from swimming pools on private property. The most common symptoms were respiratory problems and eye and skin damage, the researchers said.
They noted that people can suffer injuries or illness when the pool disinfectants and other harsh chemicals used are not stored properly or when handled by untrained people not using protective equipment. The factors that led to injury and illness include lack of adequate training and supervision, spills or splashes, or the mixing of the chemicals with incompatible products in the pool. Chemicals are essential in keeping a pool safe and from developing dangerous pathogens. The most popular pool disinfectant is chlorine. Chlorine is hardly safe to breath, and this may explain why swimmers are more prone to asthma.
Other chemicals that are added are also known corrosives. This means they are unstable and can have a reaction when in contact with another uncompatible substance, such as dirt. Chemical burns are common among pool owners and can simply be avoided. Frequently pool owners will mix old chemicals with the new ones, or consolidate them. This is extremely dangerous. With all of the chemicals in swimming pools, it is a wonder how it can be safe to even swim in. They are considered safe, however researchers say that saltwater pools are a great option if fresh water pools are a concern, especially for pregnant women. As well, heated pools are a bit riskier for asthma sufferers because of the fumes they allow the chemicals to emit.
Swimming is great exercise, but researchers suggest that indoor pools are not the best because the chlorine fumes tend to build up. Outdoor and saltwater pools are the best. Cloudy pools are not god either because that indicates a chemical imbalance. You should be able to see straight down to the bottom of a pool. As well, it is not recommended to open the eyes while swimming, which is common, because of the effects the harsh chemicals have on the eyes. It is also not the best for the skin as it strips the body of its natural oils, which is why long time swimmers hair will bleach out. When in a pool, wear goggles and a shower cap and if breathing problems, eye or skin irritation occur, evacuate from the pool area.
