In a recent study, 60% of the people swimming in highly chlorinated pools experienced the temporary constriction of airways known as exercise-induced asthma. Of those who swam in water with half as much chlorine, only 20% had breathing difficulties.
Self-defense: Swim in outdoor pools-in-door pools have limited ventilation. Check that the pool's chlorine level is below five parts per million (ppm). At public pools, ask the facility's maintenance person what the water's ppm is. For home pools, investigate alternatives to chlorine, such as ultraviolet filtration systems, which are becoming popular in Europe and at some universities in the United States.
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