The Dangers of Chlorinated Pools and How to Protect Yourself

Pools represent a fast solution to cool down in the summer. Swimming pools are mostly located in the outskirts of Tirana and are deemed as a business competing with the sea. Accessing these swimming pools is rather easy and during the hot summer days, you can’t find a free spot for a cool dip. How safe are swimming pools in Albania? Experts from the Public Health Institute recommend that these pools must be disinfected twice a day with chlorine. The owners of these pools are negligent and do not abide to these regulations, hence the pool water is full of bacteria, gems and debris that cause mild to severe skin irritations to holidaymakers. In many cases, pool goers are affected by skin illnesses and major health problems and often seek specialized medical care. Overcrowded swimming pools cause more problems. Keeping a balanced ratio of swimmers and visitors in a pool is crucial. There is a set rule in regards to the capacity of swimmers for every pool. Calculations are done based on the pool’s measurements. World Health Organization says that the pool’s capacity should be 3-4 square meters per person. But we all witness the violations of these standards by businessmen in Albania. No swimming pool in the capital adheres to the WHO standards and specifications. Furthermore, pools are packed with people and as a result the infections rate among swimmers with skin problems is high. During summer season, an average of 50 people affected by skin infections seeks medical care at the Infective Ward on a daily basis. They mostly suffer from skin, ear and eye infections. Redness, infections, itching Chlorinated water can cause itching, burning and redness of the skin, eyes and ears. Chlorine is used to handle three main jobs in keeping a swimming pool clean, killing bacteria and oxidizing the water from body oils and perspiration debris. The chlorine used to clean the pools chemically destroys the ammonia in the pool water and the reaction leads to a group of chemical compounds that contain chlorine and ammonia called chloramines that have a strong odor that causes redness and itching of the eyes, allergies including some skin disorders. The more you stay in a pool the more chlorine absorbs your skin. There have been reports of cases when chlorine has caused several disorders including birth defects. Too much chlorine can cause your skin and hair to dry out and over time too much exposure can even cause wrinkles. Shower immediately before and after entering the pool This is the rule number 1. Showering before entering the pool helps remove body organic matter. Perspirations interact with chlorine and enable additional absorption of this chemical in the skin. If you enter the pool while being sweaty, the chlorine interacts and causes irritation of the skin and redness, Rule nr 2. Shower immediately after you exit the pool by using a natural soap. Drink plenty of filtered water beforehand so that you are well hydrated. Get fresh air afterward so you don’t continue to inhale the fumes, and can clear your lungs If you or your family members do choose to swim in chlorinated pools, some recommendations I’ve read are to: 1. Swim in an outdoor chlorinated pool. It is much safer due to the fact that the majority of the toxic gases are eliminated in the air. 2. Swim in chlorinated pools occasionally. It is the regular exposure to chlorinated pools that presents the greatest risk to health. 3. Shower immediately before and after with a natural soap like Castile soap. 4. Drink plenty of non-chlorinated, filtered water beforehand so that you are well hydrated. 5. Consider wearing a mask and snorkel to shield your eyes – and even a wetsuit, if you are willing to go that far! 6. Get fresh air afterward so you don’t continue to inhale the fumes, and can clear your lungs. Source news: Agro-web and The Health Home Economist