About a year and a half ago there was an excellent discussion on this forum (thread title: "Long Term Health Effects") on the topic of the possible ill effects of exposure to chlorinated water in pools.
Has any new information on this subject come forward since that time?
Several posters in the earlier thread theorized that showering before swimming will reduce chlorine absorbtion through the skin from pool water. Is this true? Are the skin pores "sealed" in some way by the tap water from the shower?
One general health "expert," who in other areas seems pretty sensible to me, warns against swimming in pools because "chlorine in most pools is rapidly absorbed through the skin and can contribute to major disruptions in your biochemistry."
This freaked me out a little.
Since most of us will probably keep swimming regardless, I am particularly interested in what one can do to reduce the risk.
Does showering pre-swim help?
Does a thorough post-swim anti-chlorine soap scrubbing help?
Would wearing a bodysuit while swimming help?
Former Member
Thanks everyone for your replies. I have tried nose clips in the distant past, and felt quite "confined" by them. I do exhale out of my mouth and nose as well, and felt very uncomfortable with the clips. I may give them another try however, and see how I do with them. I have noticed that when I have swum in a different Y recently the problem is much reduced. My nose ran only slightly and for a short time. Unfortunately, this Y is not convenitent enough for me to use on a regular basis. So I am guessing the amount of chlorine must be the culprit. If I cannot adjust to the clips, I guess I will go the way of the drugs (I too am anti-drug except as a last resort).
Thanks again for your help.
Nancy
Nancy Graham-
I think the earlier discussion I cited above had some posts from people who were also "allergic" in the way you describe.
If you swim at an indoor pool, you may also be reacting to breathing chlorine or other chemicals trapped in the air.
Some of the earlier posters also maintained that if the pool chemistry is properly adjusted and maintained you should not be knocked over by the chlorine odor at an indoor pool.
I used to have the runny nose/sneezing fits when I started swimming. I got a lot of relief by irrigating my nose with a saline nasal spray after the workout. You can purchase this at any drug store or make your own with a little water and salt. It cleans the chlorine out of the nasal cavity. Worked for me.
