I am 47years old and have returned to swimming as a fitness choice. I get 3 workouts of 2500yds/week and feel great. I also have an inground pool that my family enjoys in the summer months. My question relates to the long term consequences of chlorine exposure. Do studies exist that show whether swimmers have an increased health risk to cancers? Has anyone looked at pool chlorine exposure as a health risk in any way? The pools I swim in all use chlorine as a sanitizer and I would hate to think my exercise regimen may be doing me more harm than good!
Parents
Former Member
Well, that is just the problem. The chemistry in a pool is a lot more complicated than water with nothing but chlorine ions floating around. As any pool operator will tell you, the more a pool is used the more chlorine must be applied, and the more difficult management of pH and other factors becomes. That is because lots of organic nutrients wash off of body and hair and react with chlorine, making all sorts of nasty stuff. It is these chemicals that Larry referred to in an earlier post, and what I think is most worrisome.
Well, that is just the problem. The chemistry in a pool is a lot more complicated than water with nothing but chlorine ions floating around. As any pool operator will tell you, the more a pool is used the more chlorine must be applied, and the more difficult management of pH and other factors becomes. That is because lots of organic nutrients wash off of body and hair and react with chlorine, making all sorts of nasty stuff. It is these chemicals that Larry referred to in an earlier post, and what I think is most worrisome.
