Potential negative effects of chlorinated swimming pool attendance on health of swimmers and associated staff

Abstract

Swimming is a recommended activity to achieve good health and to prevent certain pathologies of the circulatory, pulmonary and locomotive systems. However, recent research has focused on the possible hazard of chlorinated swimming pools. Chlorine reacts with organic compounds found in the water, giving way to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). DBPs enter the human body by water ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption. The most important DBPs are trihalomethanes, like chloroform, and chloramines, mainly trichloramine. Acute problems by accidental exposure to chlorine and its DBPs were reported years ago but their chronic effects have only been known since the beginning of the 21st century. Recent studies connect swimming in chlorinated pools with the prevalence of panting, asthma and hay fever. Besides, several DBPs are volatile and can be inhaled, not only by swimmers but also by those near the swimming pool. Although there are other environmental factors that could contribute to the increase of respiratory disorders, some authors have given rise to the so-called „chlorine hypothesis” which postulates that the increase in asthma in developed countries can be explained, in part, by the effects of DBPs present in chlorinated swimming pools. In order to constrain their potential negative effects, it is necessary (a) to control the amount of chemical agents used in swimming pools, (b) not to raise water temperature excessively, (c) to maintain effective ventilation and (d) to have strict hygiene rules for swimmers. However, the best way to avoid these problems would be using alternative disinfection systems.