THE EPOCH TIMES – While swimming is good exercise, the chemicals used to kill germs in pools pose health risks that can affect the eyes, skin, lungs, and other body parts.
Showering and other precautions can reduce the potential for harm.
A 2021 study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology explained that common swimming pool disinfectants, such as chlorine and bromine, form disinfection by-products when combined with materials in the water.
Such materials include human body excretions of sweat, urine, and saliva, pharmaceuticals such as pain killers, and personal care products, such as sunscreens, cosmetics, and lotions. The following are health risks associated with the by-products:
Eye Effects
Swimming in chlorinated pools can result in several eye problems, largely related to exposing the eye surface to chlorine, Dr. Jovi Boparai, an ophthalmic surgeon at CorneaCare, told The Epoch Times.
Tips to Minimize Risks
“People can take several proactive steps to protect their eyes when considering swimming,” Boparai said. These include:
- Avoid swimming in questionable or poorly monitored pools.
- Wear protective goggles to protect the eyes from direct contact with the water.
- Never wear contact lenses when swimming. Doing so significantly increases the risk for contact-lens-associated complications, such as infections.
- Rinse the eyes with artificial tears after swimming.
- If any eye symptoms develop after swimming, consult an eye doctor right away.
Doctors offer the following recommendations:
- Shower before and after swimming. Rinse off thoroughly, taking care to flush away all fecal material from you and your child’s body.
- Moisturize after swimming and rinsing off.
- Encourage kids to take regular breaks.
- Try not to swallow pool water.
- Use a double swim diaper for small children or incontinent adults.
- If your child has sensitive skin or asthma, stick to outdoor or well-ventilated indoor pools when possible …
