The Disgusting Facts About Swimming Pool Chemicals (Premium)

It’s not unusual for families to find that symptoms of ADHD, behavioral issues, or tic disorders flare after their kids have been in swimming pools. Adults who are sensitive to chemicals have also noticed reactions.

We’re re exposed to chemicals in swimming pools in three ways. First, the fumes can be inhaled. Who hasn’t walked into a room with an indoor pool facility and taken a whiff of strong   chlorine; once in the pool, the exposure is much stronger. Second, swimmers may swallow some of the water. And third, the chemicals are absorbed through the skin.

But it goes beyond chlorine and other chemicals added as disinfectants. A new study explores other toxic substances and combinations of agents that swimmers are exposed to that are  introduced as insect repellants, makeup, and sunscreen on the skin. And pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceuticals? Is someone putting drugs in the water along with the disinfectants? Well no. . . it’s more disgusting than that.