Chlorinated Pools Pose Cancer Risk, Study Shows

Study shows that swimming in chlorinated pools can increase the risk of cancer

A new Spanish study, published in the United States journal Environmental Health Perspectives on Sunday, reveals that swimming in chlorinated pools can increase the risk of cancer for swimmers.

A group of swimmers bathing in an indoor chlorinated pool were studied for indicators of permanent DNA mutation or mutagenicity by researchers from the Barcelona-based Center of Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) and Research Institute Hospital del Mar.

“The evidence of genotoxic effects were observed in 49 healthy adults after swimming for 40 minutes in a chlorinated pool,” the researchers said in a statement released on Monday.

The researchers found an increased risk in healthy swimmers as well as probable respiratory effects caused by the chlorine which is used as the disinfectant.

Manolis Kogevinas, co-director of CREAL said their findings should not discourage people from swimming.

“The positive health impacts of swimming can be increased by reducing the levels of these chemicals,” Kogevinas said.

Chlorine is used in swimming pools to reduce or kill bacteria and other harmful contaminants in the water for safety reasons, but is a harmful chemical in itself in high amounts.

It can also react with organic matter or bodily fluids which can produce dangerous byproducts that can be breathed in or absorbed through skin contact while swimming.

“In no case do we want to stop swimming, but to encourage the reduction of chemicals in swimming pools,” Kogevinas said. He added that the problems arising from a reduction in the amount of chlorine as a disinfectant may be offset if swimmers take showers before taking the plunge, wear bathing caps, and avoid urinating.

Posted by George Daniels on Tuesday September 14 2010, 12:23 PM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0