Swimming in chlorinated water every day can have negative effects, primarily due to the irritating properties of chlorine. While occasional swimming is generally considered safe, frequent exposure can lead to issues with your eyes, skin, hair, and even teeth.
Potential Side Effects of Daily Chlorine Exposure:
- Skin Irritation: Chlorine can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and even eczema flare-ups.
- Eye Irritation: Redness, burning, and discomfort are common complaints from regular swimmers.
- Hair Damage: Chlorine can make hair dry, brittle, and prone to split ends. It can also alter hair color, especially for those with light-colored or treated hair.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhaling chlorine vapors can irritate the respiratory system, potentially exacerbating asthma or causing coughing and wheezing.
- Dental Erosion: Studies have shown that frequent exposure to chlorinated water can contribute to enamel erosion.
Minimizing the Risks:
While the above sounds concerning, you can take steps to minimize the potential harm of daily swimming:
- Shower Before Swimming: Wetting your hair and skin beforehand reduces the amount of chlorine absorbed.
- Use a Barrier Cream or Lotion: Applying a waterproof barrier cream or lotion helps protect your skin.
- Wear Goggles and a Swim Cap: Goggles protect your eyes, and a swim cap protects your hair.
- Shower Immediately After Swimming: Rinse off all traces of chlorine with soap and water.
- Use a Chlorine-Neutralizing Shampoo and Conditioner: These products help remove chlorine residue from your hair.
- Moisturize Regularly: Replenish the moisture lost from your skin with a good moisturizer.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Consider a Vitamin C Swim Spray: Some swimmers use Vitamin C sprays to neutralize chlorine on the skin.
Important Considerations:
- Chlorine Levels: The concentration of chlorine in the pool is crucial. Pools should maintain the correct chlorine levels to ensure proper sanitation without excessive exposure. If the pool smells strongly of chlorine, it may indicate improper maintenance and the presence of chloramines (which are what actually cause the "chlorine smell" and are more irritating than chlorine itself).
- Individual Sensitivity: People react differently to chlorine. Some are more sensitive than others and may experience more pronounced side effects.
In summary, while swimming is a great form of exercise, daily exposure to chlorine can lead to several irritating side effects. Taking preventative measures before and after swimming can significantly reduce these risks.
