Swimming pools: an asthma risk?

ABC Health Updates, from the 28th of January, 2010 reports on recent research by Belgian scientists published in Pediatrics adding to the theory that chlorine in swimming pools can increase the incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and hayfever in those who are vulnerable to allergies.
The researchers examined 847 students between 13 and 18 years of age who had been swimming in indoor chlorinated and unchlorinated pools. They found that children who were allergy sensitive were more likely to develop asthma and other allergies if they swam in chlorinated pools. Those who spent more than 1000 hours in chlorinated pools were up to 14.9 times more likely to have asthma and 3.5 times more likely to have allergic rhinitis.
The Better Health Channel gives Pool Hygiene tips and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has published the APVMA guide for demonstrating efficacy of pool and spa sanitisers.