Disinfectants in recreational pools have been linked to respiratory problems and even cancer, according to a 2010 University of Illinois (UI) study.
"Sweat, hair, skin, urine and products like cosmetics and sunscreen are rich in nitrogen, which creates a toxic agent when mixed with chemicals used to disinfect the water," says Michael Plewa, Ph.D., the study's author and a UI professor of genetics.
"These disinfection byproducts can mutate genes, causing asthma in children, birth defects and even cancer after long-term exposure," he says.
Water safety tips: Reduce exposure to damaging agents by showering before diving in. Also, avoid poorly ventilated pools or those with bromine, a chlorine substitute – they have a strong chlorine smell – and only swim when water is clear (not cloudy) to ensure it's sanitary.
Another option: Saline or saltwater pools. These still use chlorine to sanitize water, but they have a generator to make natural chlorine from the salt that's converted in a filter, so less chlorine gets in the pool, says Peter Katona, M.D., clinical professor of infectious diseases at UCLA.
"Many people find it less abrasive to the skin and eyes," he says.
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