What’s the Deal with Chlorine?
Swimming pools are summer vacation icons. Whether it was playing Marco Polo with my eyes closed, psyching myself up to jump off the high dive, or waiting through the agony of adult swim, as soon as I get a whiff of that chlorine smell, I immediately think back to those gloriously hot, sunny days. Unfortunately, while the smell of chlorine conjures up some pretty sweet nostalgia, the stuff certainly isn’t doing anything for my health. As a chemical bleaching agent that is actually toxic in large doses, chlorine can pose a real health risk to swimmers big and small.
Although chlorine has been used since the 1920’s to keep pools clean, chlorinated water has been found to irritate the eyes and skin, as well as trigger asthma. When the stuff interacts with the dirt and sweat on our bodies, it forms a harmful chemical called trichloramine, which a 2003 Belgian study found in high concentrations in blood samples of children who frequently swim in pools.
If you’re looking for healthier pool-cleaning methods, there are a couple of options. Silver-copper ion generators keep things sterile by passing a low current through the water that attracts and kills bacteria, with many models available for under $250. On the opposite end of the spectrum is keeping a natural pool, which is sort of like a pond but without the scummy build-up. Natural pools integrate vegetation as part of their cleaning system, and also rely on skimmers and pumps to keep water moving around.
If a chlorinated pool is your family’s only option when looking to take a summer dip, there are still ways to do it as safely as possible. Wear a mask or snorkel to protect the eyes, and shower quickly after swimming to rinse skin of lingering chlorine.
-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer
Tags: chlorine, natural pool, summer, swimming pools
June 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
that’s interesting. I’ve been more worried about chlorine now that I’ve become more environmentally aware.
June 12th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Cathy, does your family have a pool or do you visit a local one in the area? Do you plan on taking any action against the chlorine use?
June 15th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
What about Soda pools? I swam in one in KS and loved it!