Chlorine Exposure and Asthma Risk in Children: What You Need to Know

Exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools may increase a child's risk of developing asthma, a disease that affects the lungs. Asthma may be managed by medication.

Asthma

• Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Asthma may cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest.

Cause

• According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the exact causes of asthma are not fully known. Genetics and exposure to allergens may be contributing factors.

Chlorine

• Chlorine is an element that can be used to kill bacteria in drinking water and swimming pool water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to dangerous levels of chlorine may cause symptoms similar to those of asthma, including coughing and difficulty breathing.

Considerations

• According to research conducted by a team from the Department of Public Health, Catholic University of Louvain, in Brussels, Belgium, and published in 2009 in the journal Pediatrics, swimming in chlorinated pools may contribute to asthma and respiratory allergies among adolescents.

Recommendation

• According to Dr. Jennifer Appleyard of St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, who was quoted in a 2009 US News and World Report article, the Belgian study is preliminary and therefore parents may still allow their children to swim in chlorinated pools, but exposure should be limited if chlorine appears to be an asthma trigger.