During the summer, swimming pools are the primary and favored choice for many Lebanese families seeking relief from heat waves, as they are deemed safer than beaches. Recent studies have revealed that only 26 locations along the Lebanese coast are suitable for swimming.
These families relied on the management of swimming pools to provide a safe experience for themselves and their children, believing that the presence of chlorine, a disinfectant used in the water, was a protective factor. However, this turned out to be harmful, as it became evident that some pool owners did not comply with internationally recognized standards set by the World Health Organization and excessively used this hazardous chemical, particularly in children’s pools. Many pool-goers experienced various symptoms, including eye irritation and painful skin conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that chlorine levels in pool water should be at least 1 part per million and 3 parts per million in hot tubs.
Side effects of chlorine
A public health doctor informed Lebanon 24 that “swimming pools are a significant source of germs and bacteria that can harm human health. Water containing chlorine in excess of recommended levels can lead to troublesome skin symptoms, such as dry skin, redness, itching, rashes, eczema, or even psoriasis, as well as irritation of the eyes.”
He further stated: “High concentrations of chlorine compounds release chloramines into both water and air, which can damage the respiratory system and exacerbate allergy symptoms, particularly for individuals with asthma. This can lead to increased instances of coughing, wheezing, severe asthma attacks, itching, a runny nose, or nasal congestion.”
Chlorine and other pool chemicals can also diminish the thin layer of tears that protects the eyes, resulting in irritation, burning, dryness, and blurred vision.
In light of these issues, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests: “Rinsing your eyes with fresh water after swimming to eliminate chlorine residues, using eye drops to restore moisture balance, and wearing goggles to prevent chlorinated water from entering the eyes.”
26 safe marine sites
The National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon has announced the findings of an extensive survey examining the safety and suitability of 37 swimming locations along the Lebanese coast, from Akkar to Naqoura.
The report identified 26 marine sites classified as “good to very good” and safe for swimming, including “Al-Minya” in Tripoli, “Al-Bahsa Public Beach” in Batroun, “Al-Sha’bi Beach” in Byblos, and “Al-Safra” in Jounieh.
According to the report, there are 6 sites categorized as “cautious to critical and unsafe,” with medium bacterial pollution levels and intermittent high pollution incidents. These include “Akkar” and “Al-Manara” in Beirut, “Al-Sha’bi Beach” in Sidon, and “Al-Sha’bi Beach” in Tyre.
The report also identified 5 sites classified as “polluted to very polluted,” which are not suitable for swimming. These are: “The Public Pool” in Tripoli, “The Public Sand Pool” in Jounieh, “The Port Side” in Dbayeh, “The Mouth of the Antelias River,” and “The Public Beach of Ramlet al-Baida” in Beirut.
The results of the report indicate an improvement in the overall condition of Lebanese beaches this year compared to last year, with 9 marine sites showing noticeable progress and a slight decline in 3 sites.
Dear citizens, the beaches suitable for swimming have been clearly identified, as studies have confirmed. Regarding swimming pools, due to the harm caused to children and citizens by the careless and unscientific use of disinfectants, you have the right to conduct simple tests if you can to measure the chlorine levels in the water using special test strips or digital measuring devices, because “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Understanding the Risks of Chlorine in Swimming Pools and Safe Alternatives for Lebanese Families
In the summer, swimming pools remain the most important and preferred destination for many Lebanese families to escape the heat waves, as they are considered safer than beaches after recent studies showed that there are only 26 locations suitable for swimming in the Lebanese sea.
These families trust swimming pool management to ensure a safe environment, mainly through the presence of chlorine, a chemical disinfectant. However, recent findings have revealed that some pool owners may not adhere to internationally recommended standards, resulting in the overuse of chlorine, particularly in children’s pools. This negligence has sadly led to a variety of health issues such as eye inflammation, skin conditions, and respiratory problems.
Understanding Chlorine: A Double-Edged Sword
Chlorine is widely used for sanitizing swimming pools to ensure the safety of swimmers from harmful bacteria and viruses. However, when used carelessly or excessively, it can lead to adverse effects on health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends safe levels of chlorine in pool water to be at least 1 part per million for pools and 3 parts per million for hot tubs.
Side Effects of Chlorine Exposure
The misuse of chlorine can lead to severe physical reactions. A public health doctor noted an alarming increase in health complaints linked to excessive chlorine levels. The reported symptoms include:
- Dry skin
- Redness and itching
- Rashes and eczema
- Psoriasis
- Eye inflammation
- Respiratory issues
High levels of chlorine can generate chloramines, which can exacerbate respiratory problems, particularly for individuals with asthma. Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and nasal congestion have been increasingly reported.
Protecting Your Eyes
Chlorine can strip the tear layer from your eyes, leading to irritation and discomfort. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following precautions for swimmers:
- Flush eyes with fresh water immediately after swimming.
- Use lubricating eye drops to restore moisture.
- Wear goggles to prevent direct contact with chlorinated water.
Assessing the Safety of Lebanese Beaches
To provide families with safe swimming options, the National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon conducted a comprehensive survey on the swimming safety of 37 locations along the Lebanese coast. The survey results classify these locations into three categories:
Safe Swimming Sites
There are 26 marine sites classified as “good to very good” for swimming, including:
- Al-Minya in Tripoli
- Al-Bahsa Public Beach in Batroun
- Al-Sha’bi Beach in Byblos
- Al-Safra in Jounieh
Locations Needing Caution
There are 6 sites classified as “cautious to critical and unsafe”, including:
- Akkar
- Al-Manara in Beirut
- Al-Sha’bi Beach in Sidon
- Al-Sha’bi Beach in Tyre
Polluted Locations
There are 5 sites classified as “polluted to very polluted,” which are not suitable for swimming, such as:
- The Public Pool in Tripoli
- The Public Sand Pool in Jounieh
- The Port Side in Dbayeh
- The Mouth of the Antelias River
- The Public Beach of Ramlet al-Baida in Beirut
Improving Pool Safety: Practical Tips for Families
Given the potential dangers associated with swimming pools and high chlorine levels, families need to remain vigilant. Here are some practical tips:
- Conduct Water Tests: Consider using test strips or digital measuring devices to monitor the chlorine levels in the pool. Ensure they fall within recommended guidelines.
- Choose Established Facilities: Prioritize pools that follow safety regulations and regularly monitor their water quality.
- Educate Your Family: Teach your children about the importance of health and safety when swimming, including the signs of chlorine sensitivity.
- Utilize Natural Alternatives: Explore pools that use saltwater systems or alternative sanitation methods like ozone purification.
Case Studies: Instances of Overexposure
Several cases have emerged from local communities where families reported significant health issues attributed to swimming pool use. An incident involving a local children’s swim club highlighted the dangers of rampant chlorine use, with numerous children developing skin and respiratory problems.
First-Hand Experiences and Community Voices
Many parents have voiced their concerns about the quality of pool water. A mother of two shared, “We used to frequent our local pool without worry, but after my child developed a rash that wouldn’t go away, we decided to test the water. The results shocked us.” Such experiences underline the need for collective action to ensure the safety of swimming environments.
Dear citizens, the beaches suitable for swimming are now known, and studies have shown that. As for swimming pools, after the damage that has occurred to children and citizens due to the randomness and unscientific use of disinfectants, you have the right to conduct simple tests if you have the ability to show you the percentage of chlorine in the water through special test strips or digital measuring devices, because “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
