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Dangers Caused by High Chlorine Levels

Chlorinated water can be a useful way to keep pools clean of algae and other bacteria. Chlorine is also used in the purification of drinking water. However, if the chlorine or pH levels are not right in the pool or in the tap, serious medical problems can develop. It is important to make sure the chlorine levels in your own pool are properly measured and to avoid any public pools that don't have their chlorine levels balanced correctly. You should also be aware of any potential sensitivities to chlorine in drinking water and think about using a water filter or reverse osmosis system if you are concerned about chlorine levels.

  1. Irritation

    • Irritation to the eyes and skin is an obvious danger of exposure to chlorine in swimming pools. If too much chlorine is used, you can experience stinging, itchiness and redness in the eyes. If you are allergic to chlorine or there is too much of it in the pool, you might also get a skin rash. Your hair, especially if blond, may also turn to a greenish tinge. Most of these problems aren't serious, but they can be annoying or uncomfortable.

    Exposure to Carcinogens

    • According to "Discovery News," exposure to chlorine in drinking water can increase the risk of certain cancers. Prolonged exposure to pools with high chlorine levels can also increase these risks. Breast, bladder and rectal cancer risks increase because of a substance called trihalomethanes that forms a chemical reaction between the chlorine and human skin cells or body lotion. These trihalomethanes can then be swallowed, breathed in or absorbed by the skin.

    Asthma

    • According to "The Telegraph," in 2009, a study by Alfred Bernard, research director and professor of toxicology at Catholic University of Louvain, found a link between chlorinated water and asthma. Bernard's study found that teenagers who swam in chlorinated waters for more than 500 hours were five times more likely to have asthma than teenagers who swam in pools using copper-silver ionization. Pools with chlorine levels that are too high can also trigger symptoms of asthma in those who are already suffering from it. Bernard ultimately concluded that chlorine is safe when used in proper levels, but found that often times pools exceed the recommended levels. Dr. K. Thickett of Birmingham Heartlands Hospital also agreed that chlorine can worsen or cause asthma.

    Other Potential Risks

    • The CDC reports that a number of other potential dangers can arise as a result of exposure to toxic levels of chlorine. These include stomach problems such as vomiting or nausea. You may also experience difficulty breathing with high levels of chlorine. Within several hours of exposure to dangerous levels, fluid may also build up in your lungs, requiring medical attention and causing potentially serious health consequences.

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