Don't Pee in the Pool: May Result in Dangerous Toxins

Sure, peeing in the pool is gross, but everybody does it. Right? Wrong. Don't' do it because it can be particularly hazardous to your health.

"I think everybody pees in the pool. It's kind of a normal thing to do for swimmers. When we're in the water for two hours, we don't really get out to pee," said Olympian Michael Phelps, via The Telegraph. "Chlorine kills it so it's not bad."

Unfortunately, this is not entirely true.

According to a recent study, researchers discovered that uric acid, a compound found in urine, can create "volatile disinfection byproducts" when combined with the chlorine found floating around in pools.

A byproduct of this is cyanogen chloride, or what's otherwise known as a toxic element to human organs if inhaled. Another of these compounds, according to Live Science, is trichloramine, and can be linked to harsh lung injuries from exposure to chlorine-based disinfectants.

In fact, researchers found that the chlorine could react to sweat, urine or other organic matter floating around in the water.

"Given that uric acid introduction to pools is attributable to urination, a voluntary action for most swimmers, these findings indicate important benefits to pool water and air chemistry that could result from improved hygiene habits on the part of swimmers," the researchers said, via Live Science.

"A common misconception within the swimming community is that urination in pools is an acceptable practice, although signs and placards are posted in many pools to encourage proper hygiene," said study researcher Ernest R, Blatchley III, a professor of civil engineering at Purdue University. "It is also well known that many swimmers ignore these warnings, particularly noteworthy among these are competitive swimmers," Blatchley added, via the news organization.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal of Environmental Science & Technology.