Jul 09
23
There is a wonderfully informative article in the NY Times, written by Gretchen Reynolds, discussing the real health issues of swimming in indoor pools.
According to the article, “Problems arise when chlorine mixes with proteins in the water, such as shredded skin or hair, creating chloramines. The more chlorine and the more protein you have in a pool the more chloramines. These toxic byproducts tend to settle just above the water’s surface — where swimmers breathe — and are inhaled deep into the lungs. “There are increasing numbers of studies that suggest that exposure to chloramines may have a major effect on bronchial health.”
The reports states that it is rare to see problems among the swimmers at outdoor pools.
The bottom line? “Overall, researchers say, the benefits of swimming for exercise outweigh the risks. As the authors of the Quebec City study of youthful swim racers were careful to point out, only one of the 72 swimmers they studied smoked and none were obese, making them statistical anomalies among the young. Breathing problems do sometimes develop. But with rare exceptions, they can be controlled. Swimming remains, in general, very good for you.”
You can read the entire article here.
Thanks for posting about this, I would like to read more about this topic.