Thursday, April 5, 2007
Germs in pools and natural bodies of water put swimmers at risk for eye, skin, stomach and respiratory problems.
Don’t be fooled by the clear blue of a sparkling spring lake or a newly opened pool. Contaminants from rainwater runoff, sewage and human and animal waste can pollute these waters enough to cause diarrhea, infections and rashes if you swallow the water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Always shower before getting into the water. Your butt has about 0.14 grams of feces on it (even after wiping), which can contaminate public pool water. Though pools are chlorinated, it takes up to an hour for chlorine to disinfect the pool. Some bacteria that cause diarrhea take longer to kill. You only have to swallow a small amount of tainted water to be at risk for diarrhea.
It is especially important to avoid swallowing natural water because it is not chemically treated. Avoid swimming after rainfalls because the rain can move animal droppings on land into the water.
And please, don’t pee in the pool.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
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