How to Protect Yourself, and your children, from Chlorinated Pools

This topic has come up a few times recently.   My mother hasn’t been able to swim in chlorinated water for years. It started one day, during a weekly swim, her skin started itching, getting red and she eventually develped a bad rash. Years later, I’ve develpped the same reaction. Have you ever wondered about the red, itchy eyes you get after swimming sometime?  How about that super strong smell coming from the pool that you can smell throughout the entire facility?

There must be a reason for this, right?

Here’s something directly from Dr. Andrew Weil’s website: Question: “Dangers of Chlorine? What precautions should parents take for children who swim a lot, particularly those on swim teams? Is there a higher incidence of chlorine-related health problems among swimmers? Does sunblock prevent the skin from absorbing chlorine?” Answer: (Published 11/6/2009) Updated: October 2009: “Chlorine used to disinfect swimming pools is widely recognized as a health hazard. New research suggests that children who swim frequently in chlorinated pools may have increased risks of developing allergies or asthma. Among adults exposure to chlorine in swimming pools has been linked with other health problems including bladder and rectal cancer and, possibly, an increased risk for coronary heart disease.” Yes, you read that right.  Chlorine is a KNOWN carcinogen.  Not suspected, known. It’s also been linked to birth defects, reproductive disorders and many other problems.

Why Do “They” put chlorine in our water?

Let’s stick to the topic of swimming pools for now.   We can focus on our water supply later. Chlorine is used because it kills germs and bacteria.  Chlorine also oxidized dirt and debris from our body oils and sweat. Inside/indoor pools, when chlorinated emit toxic gases which can be very dangerous. This causes major damage to our lungs.  It’s been said that when children are exposed early on, and frequently, it can cause asthma and other respiratory problems.   The other group of people more at risk are the elderly. So, are you thinking “what’s the big deal about swimming in chlorine if the area is well ventilated or it’s outdoors?”) Well, for starters,Chlorine absorbs into your skin. Other than the major health problems mentioned above (cancer, birth defects, etc.), swimming in chlorinated water overtime can cause wrinkles, dry hair and skin, red itchy burning eyes and skin.We realize not everyone has access to safer swimming conditions, or the ocean.

Here’s a list of things you can do to make it safer, if you must go swimming in chlorinated water.

• Try to find an outdoor pool.  When outdoors, most of the gases disappear in the air.
• Shower BEFORE swimming.  Yes, that’s right BEFORE.  Why?  Because most of the products we use on our skin or hair, when mixed with chlorine, cause more toxicity (see below)
• If you must swim inside, do so once in a while (on occasion).
• Stay well hydrated, drink LOTS of filtered water
• Shower after with a natural soap.
• Immediately after swimming or being in the water, get outside, fast.  Fresh air is important to clear your lungs as quickly as possible.

Here are some alternatives to chlorinating water in a pool:

• Ionizer
• Ozone
• Silver
• Ozone
• Natural, plants to filter water

Let’s talk about showing (scrubbing off all skin care products) before getting into chlorinated water

According to Dr. Plewa, a genetics prof at the University of Illinois, there are lots of chemicals and substances found in our daily care products and when these (as well as our sweat, and body oils) are mixed with pool chemicals, a more ‘toxic agent’ is produced.   His research has linked many, many health problems (including bladder cancer and asthma) to chemicals used to disinfect water in pools. The other thing is the sweat that may be on your skin.  If sweat hasn’t been washed off first, it will mix with the chlorine and cause a reaction of itchy, dry skin.

Let’s talk about showing (scrubbing off all skin care products) before getting into chlorinated water

According to Dr. Plewa, a genetics prof at the University of Illinois, there are lots of chemicals and substances found in our daily care products and when these (as well as our sweat, and body oils) are mixed with pool chemicals, a more ‘toxic agent’ is produced.   His research has linked many, many health problems (including bladder cancer and asthma) to chemicals used to disinfect water in pools. The other thing is the sweat that may be on your skin.  If sweat hasn’t been washed off first, it will mix with the chlorine and cause a reaction of itchy, dry skin.