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
Let's not get carried away with overestimated the "threat" of combined chlorine. (And uncritically accepting the pronouncements of web sites without considering the credibility of the source is an easy way to work yourself into hysteria.)
What is the risk of combined chlorine? Unknown. What is the risk of a sedentary lifestyle? Pretty significant. In addition to the legion of studies showing how unhealthy a lack of regular exercise can be, a recent, widely publicized study seemed to indicate it was more dangerous than obeisity or smoking. What are the risks of other forms of exercise? They have their problems too.
My point is that you're kidding yourself if you think you can avoid exposure to all toxins and carcinogens. But, as George Burns once said in response to the questions, "how does it feel to be over 90," that's not bad, considering the alternative.
Matt
Let's not get carried away with overestimated the "threat" of combined chlorine. (And uncritically accepting the pronouncements of web sites without considering the credibility of the source is an easy way to work yourself into hysteria.)
What is the risk of combined chlorine? Unknown. What is the risk of a sedentary lifestyle? Pretty significant. In addition to the legion of studies showing how unhealthy a lack of regular exercise can be, a recent, widely publicized study seemed to indicate it was more dangerous than obeisity or smoking. What are the risks of other forms of exercise? They have their problems too.
My point is that you're kidding yourself if you think you can avoid exposure to all toxins and carcinogens. But, as George Burns once said in response to the questions, "how does it feel to be over 90," that's not bad, considering the alternative.
Matt
