According to a report from a Dutch research, those people who work near chlorinated pools face the risk of respiratory problems. As per the earlier researches, dioxins and furans are formed when it comes in contact with organic matters. These are considered to be human carcinogens by International Agency for Research on Cancer. They can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Traces of these carcinogens were found in breast milk samples. In addition, trihalomethanes are formed when chlorine reacts with carbon-containing organic matter.

As per the latest research, chlorine reacts with urine and sweat and forms products that can harm the respiratory tract. Trichloroamines found in the swimming pools irritate the eyes and the upper respiratory tract. The chemical increases the person’s risk of asthma, allergies and other respiratory tract infections. Swimming instructors are more prone to sinusitis and sore throat than people involved in other occupations. They are also seven times more likely of suffering from breathlessness than others.

Presence of chlorine affects not only the water but also the air around thus affecting the health of the swimmers as well as those who stay around the pool for a long time. Exposure to chloramines increases the permeability of the lung epithelium as it does while exposed to smoking cigarettes.