A Guide to Enjoying the Pool Without Worries about Chlorine and Toxins
By Stephanie Ray, BCN, ND
Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time for some fun in the sun! Many families look forward to beach trips and pool outings as a great way to beat the heat and create lasting memories with your family. But did you know that swimming pools often contain high levels of chlorine, while our beloved beaches many have other harmful toxins lurking in the water? At BIORAY, our mission is to safeguard families from environmental toxins. We’re here to share some valuable tips on how to have a blast in nature while keeping your loved ones safe from pollution.
Can Toxins Pose a Threat to Your Family?
Recent reports from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have caught people's attention, particularly those who are planning beach or pool excursions. These reports shed light on the pollution issues faced by many of America's beaches, resulting from stormwater, boats, and even sewage lines. Simultaneously, swimming pools can expose us to large concentrations of chlorine, raising concerns among experts about potential long and short-term exposure effects. The big question remains: can these toxins pose a threat to the health of you and your family?
A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine demonstrates that the chlorine used in swimming pools, the same chlorine that stings our eyes and irritates our skin, can also disrupt the delicate tissue of our lungs. This disruption affects the protective cellular barriers in the deep lungs (respiratory epithelium), making them more permeable and susceptible to the passage of toxins. Interestingly, these effects were observed in children regardless of their place of residence, with the youngest children experiencing the strongest impacts.
While the health benefits of swimming are widely recognized, these studies indicate that the risks associated with chlorine inhalation in swimming pools may offset those benefits, especially for children with developing respiratory systems. Additionally, spending a day at the beach poses other risks due to sewage runoff and environmental pollutants in ocean waters. Fortunately, BIORAY is pleased to offer safe and natural products to help minimize the dangers posed by these toxins.
How to Minimize the Effects of Chlorine & Other Toxins
To minimize the effects of chlorine and other toxins on you and your child, Bioray recommends taking 3 to 5 drops of NDF® or NDF Plus® before and after swimming. Research has shown that NDF® binds to free chlorine additives commonly used in spas and swimming pools, as well as chemicals like dioxin, PCBs, and lindane. Adding NDF® to chlorinated water renders the chlorine undetectable using conventional dipsticks designed to measure "free chlorine." NDF® achieves its action through its ion exchange resin activity and micronized cell wall, effectively sequestering chlorine from water. Both NDF® and NDF Plus® are effective in removing organochlorides (chlorine).
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and considering supplements, we recommend visiting the National Resources Defense Council website for information on water quality. They offer an online water quality tool that can help you identify the safest and least polluted beaches in your area.
Enjoy the summer safely, and make wonderful memories while protecting your family from the potential dangers of chlorine and other toxins.
