 | Fredrick Ongeche was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He moved to Wichita in 1998 and graduated from Friends University in 2002 with a Bsc in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics. He is a devoted to his family, his wife, two daughters and two sons. His hobbies consist of reading and jogging. For further information please visit their web site at www.sanitech20.com or he can be reached at (316) 765-9106 |
Pool & patio
2007-06-01 09:43:00
Swimming...does it affect your health?
Answer: If you are in a pool chemical storage area, you would notice the extensive rust and corrosion on metallic objects. This is primarily due to the various chemical vapors found in the pool chemical room. Now imagine exposing your body to a similar environment over several years (swimming). The air around chlorinated swimming pools harbors toxic vapors that can be detrimental to one’s health. Chlorine reacts with substances such as urine and sweat to create dangerous by products. One of the most prevalent chlorine by products in swimming pools is chloroform; a classified carcinogen. This means that you have a greater risk of cancer due to regular exposure to chloroform!
Trichloramines is another important group of chlorine by products known to irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. To study long-term exposure among pool workers, a group of researchers measured trichloramine levels in several pools. Swimming instructors, coaches, lifeguards and other people who spend a lot of time near chlorinated pools face an increased risk of breathing problems. Compared to workers with less exposure to Trichloramines, swimming instructors were 2.4 times as likely to suffer frequently from sinusitis or sore throat, and faced a 3.4-fold greater risk of chronic cold, the researchers found.
The chemical vapors in the air around chlorinated pools could boost a person’s risk of asthma, allergies and other breathing problems by making the lungs and airways more susceptible to irritants. A Swedish study found marked decrease in Clara cells that protect the lungs among children who regularly swim in chlorinated pools. This study can also be correlated to the increase of asthma in children. According to Aquatics International Magazine, “New studies are making the links to asthma and other respiratory illnesses hard to deny. The connection between aquatic environments and respiratory illness could saddle indoor (swimming pool) facilities with an unhealthy reputation.”
If you work around swimming pools, it is paramount that you are aware of the potential health hazards that come with the job. Communicate your fears and concerns about your health and safety to the management and demand a healthier work environment.
