Menu
29/05/2003
Pool cleaning chemicals linked to asthma
Research has linked the chemicals used to keep swimming pools clean to a rise in childhood asthma.
The study by Belgian researchers indicates that naturally produced body fluids, sweat and urine, may react with the chlorinated compounds used in the pool water to produce a chemical cocktail that adversely affects the lungs.
The report’s authors believe that this tissue damage in the lining of lungs then leaves those affected more prone to adverse reactions to allergens in the environment that may then trigger asthma. However, the report has already sparked controversy as leading experts have dismissed the claims made in the report.
In all 226 schoolchildren and a number of adults who had been regular swimmers at indoor pools since early childhood were examined. The researchers concluded that the levels of proteins, known to cause damage to cell tissue in the lung, were elevated in the sample of those people who had been exposed to pool water.
The research finding indicated that the protein levels were found to be as high as those individuals who were habitual smokers, and furthermore that the proteins in those individuals who did not swim but had been spectators at the poolside were also elevated.
While concluding that “the increasing exposure of children to chlorination products in indoor pools might be an important cause of the rising incidence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases in industrialised countries,” the authors noted that further epidemiological studies should be undertaken to test their hypothesis.
(SP)
The study by Belgian researchers indicates that naturally produced body fluids, sweat and urine, may react with the chlorinated compounds used in the pool water to produce a chemical cocktail that adversely affects the lungs.
The report’s authors believe that this tissue damage in the lining of lungs then leaves those affected more prone to adverse reactions to allergens in the environment that may then trigger asthma. However, the report has already sparked controversy as leading experts have dismissed the claims made in the report.
In all 226 schoolchildren and a number of adults who had been regular swimmers at indoor pools since early childhood were examined. The researchers concluded that the levels of proteins, known to cause damage to cell tissue in the lung, were elevated in the sample of those people who had been exposed to pool water.
The research finding indicated that the protein levels were found to be as high as those individuals who were habitual smokers, and furthermore that the proteins in those individuals who did not swim but had been spectators at the poolside were also elevated.
While concluding that “the increasing exposure of children to chlorination products in indoor pools might be an important cause of the rising incidence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases in industrialised countries,” the authors noted that further epidemiological studies should be undertaken to test their hypothesis.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 February 2009
Lubbock Police 'Lost Evidence', Report Finds
Police investigating the death of a man who was found dead in Michael barrymore's swimming pool, lost crucial pieces of evicence, an official report has found. Stuart Lubbock, 31, of Harlow, Essex, died in March 2001 after attending a party at Mr Barrymore's former home in Roydon, Essex.
Lubbock Police 'Lost Evidence', Report Finds
Police investigating the death of a man who was found dead in Michael barrymore's swimming pool, lost crucial pieces of evicence, an official report has found. Stuart Lubbock, 31, of Harlow, Essex, died in March 2001 after attending a party at Mr Barrymore's former home in Roydon, Essex.
25 November 2010
Workplace Asthma Costs UK At Least £100 Million A Year
Workplace asthma costs the UK at least £100 million a year, and may be as high as £135 million, reveals research published online in Thorax. An estimated 3,000 new cases of occupational asthma are diagnosed every year in the UK, but the condition is under diagnosed, say the authors.
Workplace Asthma Costs UK At Least £100 Million A Year
Workplace asthma costs the UK at least £100 million a year, and may be as high as £135 million, reveals research published online in Thorax. An estimated 3,000 new cases of occupational asthma are diagnosed every year in the UK, but the condition is under diagnosed, say the authors.
06 May 2014
UK Asthma Patients Dies Due The Lack Of Care
The first confidential enquiry report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Why asthma still kills, found nearly half (45%, 87 patients) of those included in this study who died from asthma did not have any medical help during the final asthma attack.
UK Asthma Patients Dies Due The Lack Of Care
The first confidential enquiry report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Why asthma still kills, found nearly half (45%, 87 patients) of those included in this study who died from asthma did not have any medical help during the final asthma attack.
21 January 2013
Asthma In Children Down Since Smoking Ban
New research has shown there was a sharp drop in childhood asthma cases following the smoking in public places ban. Using NHS figures going back to April 2002, researchers from Imperial College London say there was a 12% drop in the first year immediately following the ban.
Asthma In Children Down Since Smoking Ban
New research has shown there was a sharp drop in childhood asthma cases following the smoking in public places ban. Using NHS figures going back to April 2002, researchers from Imperial College London say there was a 12% drop in the first year immediately following the ban.
12 October 2015
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
The preferred bidder to construct a £200m state-of-the-art polar research ship has been named. Cammell Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project which will help the UK remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
The preferred bidder to construct a £200m state-of-the-art polar research ship has been named. Cammell Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project which will help the UK remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
