A Review of Chlorine in Indoor Swimming Pools and its Increased Risk of Adverse Health Effects

Abstract

Background: Chlorine is a commonly used agent for water disinfectant in swimming pools. Inadequate ventilation in indoor swimming pools and chlorination disinfectant by-products (DBP’s) caused by organic matter promote the increased risk of adverse health effects. Water quality and proper ventilation must be monitored to avoid health risks in youth and adolescents. Methods: Studies were researched on children and adolescents from 2-18 years old who swim indoors. Articles were limited by only including journals from the year 2000 through 2010 and contain global statistics. Peer reviewed scientific articles were reviewed and a meta-analysis of three different scientific research databases, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, was conducted. Results and Conclusions: Children under five years of age, lifeguards and elite swimmers are at an increased risk of upper and lower respiratory symptoms, such as asthma, when exposed to chlorinated swimming frequently. Recreational swimmers who swim moderately are at a lower risk for developing occupational asthma. Implications: Reducing exposure to chlorine from indoor swimming pools may limit the risk of developing upper and lower respiratory infections.