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Infant swimming in chlorinated pools and the risks of bronchiolitis, asthma and allergy

C Voisin1, A Sardella, F Marcucci

  • 1Dept of Public Health, Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain, Belgium.

The European Respiratory Journal
|January 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Infant swimming in chlorinated pools is linked to increased risks of bronchiolitis and later asthma. Early exposure may heighten respiratory and allergic conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between infant swimming in chlorinated pools and respiratory infections.
  • The potential long-term health consequences of this exposure require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between chlorinated pool swimming in infancy and the risk of developing bronchiolitis.
  • To examine the subsequent impact of early-life pool exposure on late-onset respiratory and allergic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 430 children across 30 kindergartens was studied.
  • Parental questionnaires collected data on health history, swimming habits, and potential confounding factors.
  • Statistical analysis assessed the association between early chlorinated pool attendance and health outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Infant attendance at chlorinated pools (indoor/outdoor) before age 2 was associated with a significantly increased risk of bronchiolitis (OR 1.68).
  • This risk was exposure-dependent and persisted even after controlling for other risk factors.
  • Children with bronchiolitis post-swimming showed higher risks of developing childhood asthma and respiratory allergies.

Conclusions:

  • Swimming in chlorinated pools during infancy is a significant risk factor for bronchiolitis.
  • Early exposure may lead to increased risks of asthma and allergic sensitization later in childhood.

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