5 days ago I took a job at a local YMCA working at the front desk checking clients into the facility. I am nowhere near the vicinity of the 3 indoor pools, yet I smell the chlorine and there is a burning sensation in my nose and I begin to sneeze. I do not feel ill when there, just uncomfortable and embarrassed as well, as I have to deal with the public while I'm sneezing. My co-workers all say I will get used to the smell, but none of them have ever had any burning sensation or sneezing.
My pharmacist suggests an antihistamine, and my husband feels that if I have to take medication in order to do my job, I shouldn't be working there. I tend to agree with him. Though I love my job, my health is more important, and will gladly resign. When I leave the building I am fine.
I have no other allergies.
Have any of you experienced this reaction before? I have swam in outdoor chlorinated pools many times and never had a problem.
Any suggestions would help.
Marta
Could it just be that particular pool? In my experience I've noticed a lot of YMCA's have more chlorine in their pools than they should. As an age grouper I had a lot of sinus problems due to the overchlorination and the heat. My pool at college seems to be a lot cooler and has less chlorine as far as I can tell, and I haven't had a problem there.
It may not be overchlorination it could be an acid condition in the pool water letting small amounts of chlorine gas being realeased.
This could be deadly.
Could it just be that particular pool? In my experience I've noticed a lot of YMCA's have more chlorine in their pools than they should. As an age grouper I had a lot of sinus problems due to the overchlorination and the heat. My pool at college seems to be a lot cooler and has less chlorine as far as I can tell, and I haven't had a problem there.
It may not be overchlorination it could be an acid condition in the pool water letting small amounts of chlorine gas being realeased.
This could be deadly.
