I have been swimming for at least 20 years. I am an ex-runner, and now swim, do power yoga, play tennis, walk, etc. I am in excellent shape, yet I am seriously torn as to whether or not I should give up swimming. The club I belong to has the best schedule and available lanes, (and I pay dearly per month as well!) yet for the last year, I've waged a battle about their incessant use of tilex, windex and some horrific smelling metal cleaner they use in the aquatic center while classes and swimming is going on. I brought in the warning articles about the toxicity of inhaling these chemicals, passed them out to instructors and fellow swimmers, managers, etc. Recently, an article was posted by our Poison Control Center about the dangers of inhaling such chemicals --which stated that ventilation was not enough to prevent health issues (Of course, they do not and will not open the door when cleaning). Despite all this info I've provided, they stop for while, then will claim there is the smell of urine in the shower (I was in both showers just seconds before and there was NO urine smell) and they have to use the Tilex, etc. The other day, the manager asked me how long I was going to swim, because they wanted to use the Tilex. They continue to lie to me and tell me they won't use these products, yet the smell is so strong in there all the time, you can barely breathe. I used to swm next to a guy who would get out of the pool and literally chase them out when they started spraying. I guess I need to consider a sex change.:bump: Unfortunately, there isn't another gym where I can go with such a great schedule. However, I'm really worried about breathing thse fumes. People complain all the time, but not to management, only to one another. It seems like I am defeating my purpose to stay healthy swimming there. Yet, I feel this is as important an issue as second hand smoke - there should be no toxic chemicals used while the center is operational. Geez, would they go into a yoga or spin class and start spraying chemicals? (I've asked them that question) Thanks for any input or suggestions:bow:
Parents
Former Member
OK, I'll try to tone this down somewhat but, seriously, are you being a little dramatic? Every pool stinks to high heaven of various chemicals and while it can be a little annoying claiming respiratory diseases and toting around toxicology reports seems overkill. And, a feather duster causing some great concern? I wipe down my treadmill after every use at the gym, I can't imagine there is some sort of dust cloud exploding.
And, Tilex akin to second hand smoking? Well, that's just looney. Maybe you could go hang out at Phelps' pad and get a control sample of second hand smoke.
Glad I toned it down, I feel better now.
I suspect quite possibly you are just getting various whiffs of the natural aroma of New Jersey.
Always a smart guy in the bunch.:D I wipe down all machines as well. A feather duster simply moves stationary dust into the air, which I am breathing! Feather dusters are like from the stone ages! Second, chlorine is bad enough in an enclosed area, but read the ramifications of inhaling or ingesting Tilex, window cleaners, etc. Maybe you haven't noticed, but the "looneys" out there include the highly acclaimed Doctors TV show, which just yesterday had a segment on the dangers of these very chemicals (bathroom/window cleaners) and encouraging the use of more "green" friendly products. These products are not only dangerous to our respiratory system, but get into the soil, water, etc. I will bet you that inhaling a bottle of Tilex will kill you a lot quicker than inhaling a carton of ciggies!
OK, I'll try to tone this down somewhat but, seriously, are you being a little dramatic? Every pool stinks to high heaven of various chemicals and while it can be a little annoying claiming respiratory diseases and toting around toxicology reports seems overkill. And, a feather duster causing some great concern? I wipe down my treadmill after every use at the gym, I can't imagine there is some sort of dust cloud exploding.
And, Tilex akin to second hand smoking? Well, that's just looney. Maybe you could go hang out at Phelps' pad and get a control sample of second hand smoke.
Glad I toned it down, I feel better now.
I suspect quite possibly you are just getting various whiffs of the natural aroma of New Jersey.
Always a smart guy in the bunch.:D I wipe down all machines as well. A feather duster simply moves stationary dust into the air, which I am breathing! Feather dusters are like from the stone ages! Second, chlorine is bad enough in an enclosed area, but read the ramifications of inhaling or ingesting Tilex, window cleaners, etc. Maybe you haven't noticed, but the "looneys" out there include the highly acclaimed Doctors TV show, which just yesterday had a segment on the dangers of these very chemicals (bathroom/window cleaners) and encouraging the use of more "green" friendly products. These products are not only dangerous to our respiratory system, but get into the soil, water, etc. I will bet you that inhaling a bottle of Tilex will kill you a lot quicker than inhaling a carton of ciggies!
