Swimming Instructors And Life Gaurds May Be At Risk

By: Brad Chase

Those persons who work near a chlorine pool, such as swimming instructors, life guards, or even administrators may be damaging their lungs. A recent study in the European Respiratory Journal found that harmful compounds in the air can damage delicate lung tissue and cause an increase in respiratory illness.

The study interviewed 624 persons who are in close contact with a chlorine pool for a significant period of time during their day. Then the air was sampled at those pools the subjects were exposed to.

The researchers were most interested in a chlorine compounds known as chloramines. These are formed with chlorine, which is used to sanitize pool water, reacts with human waste products such as sweat and urine. The most potent chloramine is trichloramine, which is known to cause respiratory symptoms.

Trichloroamine levels were found to be at least 3 times higher in pools than other areas. Those person with the greatest exposure, namely swimming instructors and life guards had more than twice the incidence of upper respiratory illnesses such as sore throat and sinus infections compared to the lesser exposed persons, such as those in administration. Their risk of chronic upper respiratory illness was more than 3 times.

When the researchers compared the respiratory symptoms to the common population, there was more than a 40 percent increase in chest tightness in those routinely exposed to trichloramines and the incidence was more than 7 times the general population for shortness of breath on exertion.

The authors stress that pool safety should not only focus on the water quality but also the air quality. Trichloramines and other noxious compounds in the air could severely damage lung function with long term exposure, even in an otherwise healthy person.

There are chlorine alternatives available on the market today. While these may not make sense for public pools at this time, lifeguards should limit their exposure by taking 10 minute breaks to get fresh air away from the pool along with shorter shifts if that is an option.


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