(NaturalHealth365)  It is important to be mindful of potential dangers to our families, even as we try to improve our diets and lifestyles.  For example, while swimming in a pool may seem harmless and even beneficial for exercise and socialization, research shows that the chlorine used to disinfect pools can create harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) that can cause DNA damage and increase the risk of cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are three ways that chemicals can enter the body: inhalation, digestion, and absorption.  When it comes to swimming, all three possibilities exist.  One particular issue associated with swimming in a public or private pool is the use of chlorine.  While chlorine is effective in killing bacteria, it can also cause skin rashes, allergies, and lung injuries.

In addition, studies have shown that chlorine can react with personal care products on the skin to generate harmful chemicals, increasing the risk of cancer.  Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming in a chlorinated pool and take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure.

Chlorine can cause serious breathing issues and eye problems

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that prolonged contact with chlorine could be a factor in asthma and respiratory disease.  The CDC has also connected it to epiglottitis – a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition of the flap at the base of the tongue.  This is due to the inhalation of the gas that chlorine emits. We’ve all “smelled” that chlorine pool aroma.  It may even smell clean to us.  It turns out it could lead to respiratory disease or accentuate existing respiratory problems.

Eye infections are another side-effect of chlorinated water.  The chlorinated water can easily get into the eyes, especially when someone keeps their eyes open while underwater.  But the risks don’t stop there.  Swallowing too much chlorinated water can lead to liver or kidney problems, and it gets worse.  The sodium hypochlorite found in chlorine and other similar compounds have the potential to produce liver cancer.

The connection between chlorine exposure and the development of cancer

Water that has been chlorinated is being blamed for causing a higher percentage of skin cancers each year.  If exposed to chlorinated water for an extended period, the chemical will produce a toxic substance that can produce a rash or other infection on the body.

The sun may be determined as the culprit, but rarely it is blamed on chlorine.  Another cancer connected to chlorinated water is colorectal cancer.  This, too, can happen when a person is overexposed to treated water.  Trihalomethanes, a by-product of chlorine, is the main contributor to uninhibited cell growth within the colon.

How to protect yourself from the risks associated with chlorine

There are ways to better protect yourself from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals associated with swimming pools, whether public or private.  Obviously, the best way would be to avoid them – completely.  But, for ‘pool lovers’ – here are a few healthy tips:

• Limit the swimming times for you and your family.  Time at the pool can be relaxing and enjoyable but monitor how much time you and your loved ones are spending in the chlorinated water.
• Rinse chlorinated pool water off of your body.  Ensure you and your family shower before, during, and after swimming.
• Wearing protective eye goggles can help decrease the intake of chlorine into the eyes and the body.  They can decrease the possibility of eye infections as a result of chlorine.

No matter how you view the threat of chlorine, you should understand that ingesting it is not good.  You certainly want family members to enjoy their day at the pool, but they should be reminded to avoid swallowing chlorinated water.

Of course, chlorine in drinking water is a whole other topic, but my best advice would be to use a water purifier that removes unwanted toxins from your water supply.

Unlike sea water, which is briny and immediately unpleasant, some may not see pool water as much different than tap water – which is a big mistake.  Make sure family members know not to swallow any amount of pool water.

Sphagnum Moss is one natural way to ensure your family and friends are safe in your family pool.  According to David Knighton, a surgeon and founder, and CEO of Creative Water Solutions, moss has been known to inhibit microbes.

The moss was used and tested in the Oxford Community Center in St. Paul, MN.  The director, Lynn Waldorf, says that the moss has saved the pool some $35,000 because they use less toxic chemicals, and they had an increase in revenue because more swimmers attended the pool.

There are almost always natural solutions to everyday problems.  And best of all, there are ways to improve our lifestyles and health without toxic chemicals.  Plus, there is no downside in your search for optimal health.

Sources for this article include:

NBCNews.com
NIH.gov
MedicalDaily.com
CDC.gov