Wheezing may not be unfamiliar to some of us, but the connection between chlorine and allergies might be. Well, at least for some. Just over a year ago, I was in the backyard engaged in a skirmish with a rose bush near the pool. The bush and I had scars, but I encountered something new. As I was battling the rose bush, the pool’s Polaris kicked up some water, splashing on me and dousing my open wounds with chlorine-treated water. Those drops of water felt like a chemical burn, leaving my skin notably more irritated. The great outdoors was particularly unfriendly to me that day, and rightfully so. I was tearing down a plant that promotes clean air. It was an uncontested defeat, the rose bush won. As usual, I blamed the irritation on the cuts on my skin.
What else could it be?
A couple of days later, my niece came to visit and was eager to go for a swim. She wanted me to join her, but I wasn’t keen on getting in the water, so I tried to devise some excuses. However, she wouldn’t take no for an answer, so I reluctantly agreed to at least dip my feet in the pool. After a few minutes, I started feeling tingling and realized that my skin was becoming irritated. I’m very susceptible to skin irritation because of my allergy to disperse dyes, which are everywhere. This allergy also makes me very sensitive to sunlight, causing my skin to burn quickly and making my eyes sensitive to light. So, as usual, I blamed the sun for the irritation on my skin.
Or could it be the heat?
The summer vacation had finally arrived, and one evening, we found ourselves outside, basking in the cool night air. As the sweltering heat of July persisted even in the nocturnal hours, the hot spa beckoned to me, and I succumbed to its allure, luxuriating in its comforting warmth for nearly 30 minutes. Emerging from this serene soak under the starry sky, I retreated inside for a refreshing shower. Then, I noticed my skin, from head to toe, adorned with angry red, blotchy patches and a network of crimson rashes. This time, I couldn’t attribute the allergic reaction to the sun; instead, it seemed to have been provoked by the intense heat. The struggle to endure a day without experiencing an allergic reaction was undeniably complex. That makes me sad because my skin is healthy otherwise. Moreover, I couldn’t shake the suspicion that the culprit might have been the chlorine in the hot tub or any dyes it contained. Was this enigma a tag team attack?
Chlorine is the common denominator.
I recently delved into a deep investigation of the contents of chlorine. While I discovered that chlorine does not contain dyes, some pools incorporate dyes to enhance their appearance. Surprisingly, our pool does not utilize dyes. However, this led me to ponder whether the components used in chlorine production contain dyes. This train of thought revealed that many of these components are complex and obscure substances that are difficult to comprehend. As I delved deeper into the ingredient list, it felt like a daunting journey through a labyrinth, leaving me increasingly frustrated. Despite my tenacious efforts, this research was leading me nowhere.
I began to question if I was asking the right question.
While contemplating what I wanted to learn, I realized I needed to ask the right question: What chlorine component triggers allergic responses? I quickly discovered that chlorine is not an allergen, but it can exacerbate or even induce asthma attacks in individuals with skin, nasal, or respiratory allergies. This new understanding was precisely the information I had been searching for. This new discernment will allow me to prepare for future dips.
Chlorine sensitivity can invoke skin irritation, respiratory challenges, and/or nasal symptoms.
Chlorine can cause skin reactions such as itchy, red skin or hives. These symptoms are not an allergic reaction but a condition known as “irritant dermatitis,” similar to a chemical burn caused by heightened sensitivity to this natural irritant. It is not possible to be allergic to chlorine. Additionally, chlorine can dry out the skin and aggravate existing dermatitis. Symptoms of skin reactions may include redness, tenderness, inflammation, and itchiness at the contact site and may also lead to rashes or hives.
Chlorine can indirectly contribute to allergies by irritating and sensitizing the respiratory tract. Individuals sensitive to chlorine may experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing. These symptoms are more prevalent in individuals with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Additionally, nasal symptoms like runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, or congestion resembling seasonal allergy symptoms may also occur.
Studies have suggested frequent swimming in chlorinated pools and exposure to chlorine cleaning products may increase the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory allergies in adolescents and adults (Chlorine Allergy | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website, 2023).
What are some options for those with allergies?
If you are still deciding what type of pool to enter, you have some options for protecting your skin.
What to do before and after swimming
- First, rinse off before swimming. When your skin and hair are damp, the absorption of chlorine is less.
- Apply a skin barrier cream. Argan and coconut oil are other inexpensive skin barriers. Vaseline is an option, but I do not recommend applying fossil fuels (petroleum) to the skin. (Currently researching vaseline to gain clarity on its contents and side effects, stay tuned)
- Second, remember to apply sunscreen. Waterproof sunscreen 30 and above is most suitable.
- Third, rinse off immediately after swimming. If left to dry, chlorine can dry your skin. Use gentle pH-balancing cleansers.
- Lastly, moisturizers should be reapplied, and sunscreen should be 30 and above SPF broad-spectrum, preferably mineral.
What types of pools do not use chlorine?
Other options exist to avoid chlorine irritation. The first option is using bromine. It takes longer to work than chlorine, but it does last longer. It is very similar to chlorine. However, it can still irritate and are not bio-degradable. In addition, its chemicals are harsh enough to eat through your pool equipment and acrylic. Acrylic is an allergen for those allergic to dyes and synthetic fibers. This chemical may not be a suitable option. Acrylic is a form of plastic that is not bio-degradable, and a chemical can eat away at it; it’s not something I want my skin to soak in.
In addition, our planet is constantly warming, making our environment susceptible to deadly bacteria growth in our natural waterways. We are dammed if we do and dammed if we don’t. Therefore, our best pool options will require some chlorine but less of it. Or swim in natural waterways, but be aware of its dangers.
Ozone Pools
An ozonizer is a device installed in the technical area to facilitate the chemical reaction required for treating pools with ozone. It draws oxygen from the air and converts it into an odorous and oxidant gas known as ozone. Depending on the type of ozonizer used, this conversion process uses either an electric field or a UV lamp.
The ozone produced by the ozonizer is then introduced into the contaminated water to disinfect it before filtration. As a result, clean and sanitized water returns to the pool. Ozone is known to be twice as effective as chlorine and contributes to making the water odorless, pleasant, and good-tasting.
Due to its efficacy and benefits, ozone treatment is gaining popularity in public pools, which can more easily justify the initial high acquisition cost. However, it’s important to note that since ozone doesn’t maintain a residual disinfectant, an additional chemical such as chlorine or bromine must be added in small amounts to the pool to ensure the water is sanitized and safe for swimming.
Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools offer a more pleasant and potentially healthier swimming experience than traditional chlorine pools. Inhaling salt particles in a saltwater pool can help thin mucus in the lungs, promoting healthy breathing and reducing allergies. Additionally, swimming in a saltwater pool may benefit individuals injured or who have exercised vigorously and those suffering from chronic health conditions like arthritis. Furthermore, saltwater pools are considered better for the environment as they do not produce the strong chlorine smell associated with traditional pools. Although saltwater pools contain minimal chlorine, it is significantly less than in conventional pools.
Natural Waterways
Natural water bodies, like rivers, estuaries, oceans, lakes, and reservoirs, are typically chlorine-free, making them safer options for swimming than pools. However, bacteria or algae can contaminate natural waterbodies, so caution is still necessary.
Tip to assist you in deciding where to swim in natural bodies of water
Check the weather
After heavy rainfall, water can mix with pollutants from streets, gardens, and farms. This contaminated water flows into our rivers and oceans through the stormwater systems. As a result, swimming in these bodies of water may become unsafe, mainly if you come into contact with or ingest the water.
As a precaution, people should avoid swimming:
- In coastal waters, one day after heavy rainfall.
- Three days after heavy rain in river/estuarine systems.
Swimming in the water is safe if significant rainfall has not occurred lately.
Search for signs of pollution.
Some “tell-tale” signs of water pollution to look out for before entering the water include:
Discolored water: Check to see if the water has an unusual color. Watch out for murky, dirty, or tinted water, as well as any algal scums or oily films on the surface.
Unpleasant odors: Are you detecting any disagreeable earthy or sewage-like smells?
Flowing drains: Are there any visible drains currently discharging into the water?
Floating debris: Are there any food wrappers, cigarette butts, general litter, or excess leaves floating in the water?
Sick or dead fish: Do you notice any fish or crabs that appear dead or moving slowly in the water?
Find somewhere else to swim if you notice these “tell-tale” signs.
Avoid swimming next to stormwater drains.
It’s essential to know that stormwater runoff significantly contributes to water pollution. It’s advisable to avoid swimming near stormwater drains, especially during or after rainfall events.
Check for warning signs.
When pollution is present in a body of water, such as after a sewage spill or algal bloom, officials might post health warning signs to caution the public against using the water. If you come across a health warning sign, it’s essential to heed the advice and avoid swimming in the water.
Amoebic meningitis and water temperature (lakes, rivers and dams)
It’s essential to be mindful of the water temperatures when participating in recreational activities such as swimming and skiing. Lakes, estuaries, and dams can heat up during summer, and high water temperatures between 28°C (82.4° F) and 40°C (104° F) provide conditions suitable for the growth of the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba can cause a severe disease called amoebic meningitis, which leads to inflammation and eventual damage to the brain and its linings. This illness is acquired only when water contaminated with amoeba enters the nasal passages.
Given the risks, the recommendation is to avoid swimming and skiing in lakes and dams with high water temperatures to reduce the risk of contracting amoebic meningitis. However, it’s reassuring to know that seawater and estuaries are generally safe, as the amoebae will not thrive in water with more than 2 percent salt content.
Moral of the story
Often, we ignore the signs or symptoms that occur during an activity and brush them off. Thinking about the many times I’ve swam in pools as a child; I recall having a sore throat and runny nose. A similar thing occurred when I would sit or walk on the carpeted floor. My legs or exposed skin would burn, and I brushed it off as friction. It turned out I was allergic to synthetic fibers. Would the outcome differ if I’d talked to an adult or doctor sooner?
Determining what is causing symptoms is frustrating and confusing. If you have a reaction to something and you do not know the culprit, talk to your doctor about it. They are better suited to answer your questions. Had I done that sooner, I would have avoided much discomfort. Fortunately for me, paying attention to the signs paid off. It never occurred to me that there was a correlation between chlorine and allergies. Understanding this enigma with the pool water has provided me with insightful information to aid in making better decisions.
However, having fun in the sun with chlorine is still possible. If you have allergies and have a saltwater or ozone pool, please let us know if it aggravates your allergy. My new natural fiber dye-free swimsuit is ready for a dip. I’ll update this post when I find a suitable pool to note my experience. Until next time, stay safe in pools and natural waterways.
