Peeing in Swimming Pools Affect Lungs, Heart and Central Nervous System, Study Finds

Peeing in the swimming pool is not only gross but is also harmful. A new study found that it has a drastic impact on health.

A new finding reported in ACS's journal "Environmental Science & Technology" found that when human urine mixes with the chlorine in the pools, several chemical byproducts are formed, which can considerably affect the lungs, heart, central nervous system and other organs if inhaled, according to USA Today.

Public swimming pools contain chlorine that is used to kill disease causing microbes. But when people pee in the pool, the urine mixes with chlorine and forms compounds such as trichloramine (Ncl3) and cyanogens chloride (CNCI). Ncl3 and CNCI are two compounds that are extremely harmful for the lungs, heart and the central nervous system.

To investigate further, the scientists looked at how chlorine reacts with uric acid, a component found in human sweat and urine. On combining the two different components, the researchers noticed both the Ncl3 and CNCI were formed within an hour.

However, researchers are not sure about the specific elements in urine and sweat that aid the formation of such harmful byproducts, according to Laboratory Equipment.

Compared to sweat, 90 percent of the uric acid present in the pools comes from pee. The study advises swimmers to avoid urinating in public swimming pools and prevent chronic illnesses.

A previous survey linked both these chemicals to health problems experienced by swimmers, pool staff as well as lifeguards, Quartz reports. The survey also revealed that nearly 19 percent of the adults confessed to peeing in a public pool.

This study was funded by the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Swimming Pool foundation.