Chlorine in pools may up asthma risk in kids

[Posted: Sat 31/05/2003 - www.irishhealth.com]

By Deborah Condon

Chlorine, the chemical used to keep swimming pools clean, may increase a child's risk of developing asthma, the results of a new study indicate. In recent years, the incidence of childhood asthma has risen dramatically, with one in seven Irish children and teenagers now affected, according to the Asthma Society of Ireland.

Researchers carried out tests on 226 healthy children who swam regularly, in order to determine the levels of lung proteins in their blood. An increase in these proteins indicates that the cells lining the lungs have been damaged, which can lead to asthma.

The researchers also measured the lung proteins in 16 children and 13 adults before and after exposure to an indoor chlorinated pool. As well as this, they studied relations between pool attendance and asthma prevalence in 1,881 children.

The study found that those who attended pools regularly, whether they were swimming or not, were most likely to have high levels of lung proteins. However those who swam most often had protein levels similar to that of a regular smoker.

It appears that when chlorine reacts with organic matter in a swimming pool, such as sweat or urine, a mixture of potentially harmful chemicals result, which are then inhaled by people.

Based on these findings, the Belgian researchers concluded that 'the increasing exposure of children to chlorination products in indoor pools might be an important cause of the rising incidence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases in industrialised countries'.

However they added that further studies are required in this area.

Details of this study are published in the 'Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine'.

Anonymous   Posted: 03/06/2003 11:30

I found this article very interesting.10 years ago aprox.my daughter who suffers from allergies developed chest tightness symptoms.Dr.related this to allergy of chlorine in the pool water as she had started swimming on a regular weekly in the swimming pool.She was advised to take ventolin inhaler prior to swimming but did not like the side effect of ventolin so stopped swimming and her symptoms went!

Joe(oirbsen)  Posted: 05/06/2003 17:06

The Goverment should ensure that all public pools use alternatives to chlorine. My 12 year son swims 10 hours per week and I am very concerned that a preceived healthly sport like swimming may in fact be doing long term damage to his lungs.

David(dbratt)  Posted: 05/06/2003 21:41

Some scientific of a long-standing clinical observation here in the Trinidad, West Indies.

Anonymous   Posted: 11/06/2003 12:59

Could David Bratt expand on his comment? Also does anyone know what the alternatives to chlorine are, whether they carry the same or associated risks and whether pools in Dublin use them?

David(Daystarr)  Posted: 11/06/2003 17:27

Besides the exposure from swimming pools, here in the US, many cities and towns add chlorine to the drinking water to "purify" it. It is no great surprise that between the two exposures, asthma rates in US children have skyrocketed in recent years.

Anonymous   Posted: 12/06/2003 10:18

I believe it would be unwise to discourage children or any one from swimming. I believe the benefits out weigh any possible side effects It is an excellent form of exercise. And it is necessary for children to be able to swim for their own safety. Simple precautions should be taken. I have seen people put their goggles, swim cap on the floor and then put them on their eyes and heads. And put their towell on the floor under their feet and then pick it up and wipe their eyes and face with it. So simple hygiene is needed. I have been swimming approx.3 times a week, for 30 years, and thank God never had any ill effect, but it has benefited my health including my back. I agree as much ventilation as possible should be provided. But I would not like to see toddlers and children discouraged from swimming. Mairead.

Anonymous   Posted: 16/06/2003 22:13

is not swimming very good for asthma does it not improve lung capacity.Why chlorine cannot something else be used

Anonymous   Posted: 11/04/2005 18:31

Chlorine has adverse effects on many people not just asthmatic children. Oxygenated pools are the way forward. Does anybody know of any pools or health centres anywhere near Dublin that don't use chlorine or other chemicals as I have severe reactions.

Biscuit  Posted: 18/10/2006 15:18

I am forty years old, and I have just joined a leisure centre, and I have been swimming for the past five days. I have nt been swimming for years, and I really enjoy it. BUT since I started back I have been feeling a terrible tightness in my chest and a feeling like you would get before a coughing attack, also my nose feels bunged up and I can smell chlorine if I inhale deeply. I am not asthmatic, so I think the chlorine is affecting me. I love my swimming but what can I do now

David Bratt  Posted: 25/07/2009 22:27

Salt water swimming pools, new in my country, Trinidad & Tobago, may be the answer.

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