Babies Swimming in Chlorinated Pools May Suffer Lifelong Health Effects
Young children who swim in chlorinated pools may suffer an increased risk of lung infections, lifelong asthma and respiratory allergies.
Researchers conducted health tests on Belgian kindergarteners. They found that 36 percent of the kids who had been exposed to chlorinated pools before the age of two had a history of bronchiolitis–compared with only 24 percent of children who had not been exposed to chlorine.
Researchers believe that chlorine in swimming pools may combine with sweat, saliva and urine from swimmers to create a chemical that irritates and weakens the lungs.
Researchers also found that indoor pools increased infection risk more than outdoor pools.
