Chlorinated Pools Linked to Infant Lung Infection and Asthma
Posted on Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Jen
A recent report in the European Respiratory Journal, shows that there could be a link between children that swim in chlorinated pools before the age of 2 and infant lung infection, asthma and respiratory allergies later in life.
Check out the article from Global News online.
How many of us don’t equate the smell of our favourite indoor pool growing up with the smell of chlorine? What we don’t realize is that along with the scent, we are inhaling all kinds of off-gases. Not just chlorine. Same goes for chlorinated household cleaners.
I have heard all different ages cited as the proper age to take a tot swimming. My doc said 6 months whereas the pediatrician said not to worry about it.
So what do we do about this? Keep our kids away from swimming pools? That would be tragic in my books. Most kids love swimming (so do I) and I certainly don’t want to discourage physical activity either. The good news is that there are options out there:
1) Call around to your local pools to find out if they are chlorinated or if they are salt-based or ozone treated. Many pools are switching to these alternative treatment methods.
2) Swim outdoors when the weather is good. We have a number of outdoor pools that are open in the summer time. While chlorinated outdoor pools are still thought to be connected to these lung issues, there is certainly decreased risk as you are not in a room with trapped chlorine fumes.
3) Wait till your little one is a little older before you take them for a dip. There are many other fun, active activities that you can do with your tot, salsa baby dancing, mom and baby boot camps are a couple.
4) Call your local parks and rec department and request that they consider changing to a non-chlorinated system. Every voice counts. Help to raise awareness for the benefit of our children’s health.
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Yikes! Yet another reason to go chemical free at home. We are overexposed to chemicals outside of our own homes on a daily basis. Pools should change to salt water. Anyone know of the statistics, health implications of swimming in salt water pools (can’t be all that bad if the oceans are salted;).
They totally should change to a non-chlorinated option. Especially when there are 2 other options (ozone and chlorine). I know that there can be some costly changes to their filtering systems which is why the motivation to change is low. I will do a bit of digging around to find some info on the health implications of salt water pools and post. I can’t see there being any other than an upset tummy if kids drink a bit, stinging eyes, and dry skin. Thanks for your comment!