Swimming is good for children, but it is not necessary to exaggerate because continuous chlorinemish exposure can have negative effects on the respiratory system
In essence, there would seem to exist a close connection between the onset of this disease in children and prolonged exposure to the chlorinated environments typical of the swimming pools. More precisely, breathing for a long time containing chlorine derivatives would highlight the permeability of the bronchi, thus promoting allergic sensitizations and preparing the subjects exposed to asthma.
Yes, if you exaggerate. A frequentation of the swimming pools, especially at a very young age, could in fact increase the risk of developing asthma. This is the conclusion of a review – or a review of everything that exists in the scientific literature – coordinated by Professor Eugenio Baraldi of the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Padua and published on the prestigious American magazine Pediatric Pulmonology.
“The problem – explained Professor Eugenio Baraldi – is not new: studies conducted in Belgium had already raised the matter, especially compared to particular categories of visitors. I am referring to the athletes who practice swimming at a competitive level and that consequently go to the pool almost daily. By putting together the various works, we have however seen that even the frequenting of the pools can create problems, especially in the smallest, They are obviously more delicate “.
Under accusation the chlorine
Therefore, the chlorine is under accusation, in particular some of its derivatives known with the name of chlorineproduced by the chemical reaction between free active chlorine and some organic substances normally present in the water of the swimming pools (skin, urine, sweat). Just these derivatives – known as combined active chlorine – are responsible for the well -known phenomena of irritation in the eyes and mucous membranes of those who frequent pools. The most irritating is the tricloramine: a volatile mixture that is easily dispersed in the air by concentrating in the first 15-20 centimeters above the water level, where it is inhaled by the swimmers.
What to do then?
“First of all – continues Baraldi – it is good to specify that the children who attend the swimming pool once or twice a week do not run particular risks. Different is different if the frequency rises to 4 or 5 times: in this case the biological balance of the children’s airways could actually be altered and encourage the appearance of symptoms similar to asthma. A particular attention must be paid to the little ones: better to avoid the so -called fashion of the Baby Swimmingavoiding to bring children under the age of 2-3 years of age to the pool “. And it continues:” Much depends on the chlorine levels present: in Germany, for example, no correspondence between swimming pools and asthma development has been found, by virtue of the fact that the chlorine present in the water is in a lower percentage compared to other countries, including Italy “.
