We have talked on many occasions about the benefits of matronation or swimming for babies and also for children, although we have also echoed some problems that swimming pool chlorine could entail for some of them.
Now in Germany parents are asked Do not take babies to the pools in case the child has any type of allergy or if there is a family background.
The German Federal Environment Office bases its recommendation on preliminary studies that have revealed a direct relationship between swimming in chlorinated water and the incidence of asthma, as well as other chronic respiratory diseases.
What is the situation in Spain?
Recall that in Spain the Spanish Association of Pediatrics did not advise against swimming with babies, despite the news that talk about possible respiratory problems in children due to excess chlorine.
Although it did point out that there was to choose specially prepared swimming pools for babies: according to the AEP itself this increase in risk does not occur if there are levels of chlorination of water within the established limits and the aeration of the facilities is adequate.
In addition, there are other mechanisms for disinfection of water other than chlorine, so there are more possibilities to choose the best pool for babies.
The risks of chlorine in swimming pools
But, Why is chlorine used in swimming pools and what are its risks? Chlorine compounds with this destiny are designed with the aim that they attack the germs of the urine, the tricloranimas of the sweat, the cosmetics, but the risk of suffering asthma is multiplied by 60 for every 100 hours of contact with the baby's skin .
Trichloramine or nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) is a very volatile and easily inhalable gas, and is formed by the reaction of chlorine on contact with organic dirt. Its effect is not only noticeable in the typical irritation in the eyes or in the upper respiratory tract, but it can also irritate the lungs, according to the conclusions of this work.
Researchers recommend risk groups, under two years of age and children with a predisposition to allergies, to avoid swimming pools with high concentrations of chlorine, and users in general who opt for swimming pools with ventilation systems and elimination of these substances.
Children under two years, the most vulnerable
The risk of bronchitis, eczema and respiratory problems would be much higher among two-year-old babies who regularly go to the chlorinated pool, than in those who do not.
In addition, children under this age are at greater risk because they have a more sensitive lung tissue which makes them especially vulnerable. They also usually bathe in heated water pools, so that the higher water temperature favors harmful chemical reactions and, for obvious reasons, they are also more exposed to the case that the chlorine comes into contact with the urine and in turn with the skin .
For older swimmers, the risk is lower, but even so, the Federal Environment Office advises all swimmers never to forget a thorough shower immediately before and immediately after the pool and prevents those responsible for swimming pools need to constantly provide fresh water and adequate ventilation.
Remember that matronation favors the physical development of the child, enjoys it very much and reinforces the bond between parents and children. That is why it is one of the most recommended activities for mothers as young babies, but there are baths and baths in swimming pools, and it is necessary both to follow the safety rules and to choose the most appropriate pool.
In addition, each child is different, so if after having chosen the place where to swim with the baby we observe a reaction in this one, the baths should be suspended until they have told the doctor, and also you should consult the pediatrician before going to the pool if the baby has an allergy.
