Health Effects of High Chlorine in Small Pools

Chlorine, one of the highest produced chemical in terms of volume, is used in everything from household cleaning products, pesticides and water treatment. Although chlorine is an effective treatment for cleaning water used in swimming pools, it has several negative side effects. Exposure to excessive amounts of chlorine can even be deadly.

Irritation

• One of the most common reactions to chlorine is irritation. Eyes, nose and skin irritation can occur from either the gassy odor produced from chlorine levels contained in a warm and enclosed environment. Long-term exposure can even result in lung and respiratory problems as well as blurred vision and skin rashes.

Fatigue

• At room temperature chlorine is a green gas. When inhaled, a common occurrence in enclosed indoor pool areas, this gas can cause a person to feel lightheaded as well as fatigue and slight forgetfulness or confusion. This is commonly associated with pool workers, such as lifeguards at indoor pools, who are exposed to the gassy odor for long periods of time.

Asthma

• According to the Healthy Child website devoted to improving children's health worldwide, children under the age of seven who are regularly exposed to indoor pools treated with chlorine are at a greater risk for asthma. In addition, the website asserts that children exposed to overly chlorinated pools have protein levels in their blood normally associated with smokers.

Dental Issues

• Overexposure to chlorine has been shown to cause the erosion of dental enamel. It is not recommended to allow any pool water into the mouth.

Serious Conditions

• Although rare, there are some serious risks of cancer, miscarriage and birth defects. Generally these conditions are associated with a toxic combination of chlorine and organic matter, such as leaves and debris, that have been left to produce a rare chemical compound.