Swimming pools ‘can causelung problems’ says Belgian Prof.

8 June 2004

BRUSSELS – A Belgian professor warned on Tuesday that gas from chlorine in the water of many swimming pools could cause breathing problems for babies and young children.

Chlorine is used in many swimming pools to kill unwanted bacteria in the water.

But Professor Alfred Bernard says the chemical can also have harmful side effects.

“The odour of chlorine is not just a smell but it signifies that a toxic gas is present in the air of the swimming pool,” he told Le Soir newspaper.

Bernard says babies and young children who are prone to asthma are particularly at risk from chorine, especially if they go swimming at least once a week.

The Professor says recent studies by the environmental health authorities in Brussels support his argument and he is calling on swimming pools to use alternative methods for keeping their water clean.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news