Non-respiratory symptoms
A wide spectrum of dermatoses of various etiologies (infectious,
traumatic, irritant, allergic, neoplastic etc.) are listed in the
context of regular swimming-pools use or aquatic sports
performance47. Xerosis is one of the most frequent
condition experienced by swimmers48, and especially
among those with sensitive and eczematous skin49. The
dryness effect is particularly pronounced in atopic skin, since the
threshold residual chlorine concentration required for considerable drop
in water-holding properties is significantly lower than in healthy
subjects (0.5 mg/l vs. 2.0 mg/l, respectively)34,
possibly explaining why the higher probability of skin symptoms compared
to other disinfection methods (bromine, ozone, UV lamps and salt
electrolysis)49. Also eye symptoms are more
significantly associated with chlorine-disinfected pools, comparing with
other disinfection methods49 and often listed as a
common problem in competitive swimmers. The risk of otitis externa in
swimmers and polo players was higher than in soccer
players50.