squidkid.

SquidKid received some interesting comments and information from Ellen P., a reader who commented on this week’s earlier entry about Chlorine Dangers During Pregnancy. Ellen belongs to Vermont-based organization called Vermonters For a Clean Environment, and provided us with a link here about what this group has uncovered about the health risks of chlorine byproducts found in their water, including drinking or tap water.

Ellen’s link lead to a page on the site dedicated entirely to Articles About Chloramine, where I found a lot of useful and shocking information. You can really get to understand the basics of this issue, including the lingo and science, of Disinfection By-products (DBPs) or chloramines, which is what you get when chlorine bonds with organic matter, ranging from urine to algae. Also, this link can tell you what the government is and isn’t doing about regulating the problem. It’s a major resource on this issue.

On the front page of the Chloramine link above is an article about swimming. An interesting point is made that most pools measure chlorine levels, but do not measure chloramine levels. The latter is what makes pool water harmful. How do you know when chloramine levels are high in a pool?

• You can smell chloramines. You think you’re smelling chlorine, but what you’re really smelling are the by-product (DBPs) of chlorine bonding with organic matter (ie. urine, sweat, even makeup).
• The pool has been “shocked” by chlorine. What happens on a busy day when an “accident” happens in the pool? The staff follows health code procedures and administers an amount of chlorine deemed efficient to sterilize the water. The pool is closed long enough to not create a potential chlorine burn, but for the chlorine to bond with the organic matter and create — you guessed it — chloramines.
• You get a rash. This is not a chlorine burn — it is a result of your skin not liking chloramines.
• The pool relies on chlorine as it’s main disinfectant. Pools need to switch to eco-friendly and state-of-the-art Ultraviolet (UV) light cleaning systems. I’ve written about UV systems here.
• It’s simply an indoor pool. And the windows are closed, causing little air circulation.

If you sense any of the above, it’s best to get out of the pool and/or limit your exposure. You can also instruct your family to shower before entering a pool, and encourage the use of the restroom before swimming. Also, for those not potty trained, double-up with both a swim diaper and plastic cover with an elastic waist band. Seeing as what harm can be caused for the health of all, make the effort.