Do not use pools as a place to urinate, says IMA

Do not use pools as a place to urinate, says IMA
• Watch out for telltale signs such as a string odor before stepping into a pool • Important to follow hygienic practices to avoid infections
New Delhi, 13 July 2017: According to recent research, the smell of what many people think is chlorine in swimming pools may not be actually so. It is, instead, the smell of chemicals as the chlorine mixes with urine, feces, sweat, and dirt. Those who get a red eye and irritation after taking a dip in the pool should perhaps blame urine and not chlorine. In light of this, the IMA has advised people to not use pools as a place to urinate. Urine combined with a lot of other waste can cause extreme dryness to the eyes as also chemical allergy. Healthy pools and water parks don’t have a strong chemical smell. Research also indicates that if the pH and disinfectant levels are appropriate, this chemical mix should not spell trouble. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "A mixture of urine and chlorine turns chlorine into an ammonia derivative called chloramine. This has a distinctive smell and can cause respiratory problems and eye infections. There is also an additional problem. Those with diarrhea can spread Cryptosporidium, which is a filter and chorine-resistant parasite and a leading cause of waterborne diseases in people who use a pool regularly. Some of the germs that cause diarrhea can live in the pool from minutes to days, even if the pool is well-maintained. Once contaminated, all it takes is for someone to swallow a small amount of pool water to get the infection. To eliminate the irritants caused by nitrogen-containing compounds found in urine, more chlorine may need to be added to a pool." It is imperative to take along and use a pair of swimming goggles as part of your swimming attire. There are test strips available today that can help check chemical levels. It is possible to ease the allergic reaction using artificial tears with lubrication. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Indoor pools are riskier as the irritants can move into the air surrounding a pool and trigger coughing, wheezing, or even asthma attacks particularly in those with lower immunity. It is the responsibility of everyone who uses the pool to ensure that they contribute to taking care of hygiene and sanitation. This can only happen if they maintain personal hygiene and even teach their children the same." Here are some things you can do to ensure that the pool you are using is clean and safe. • Watch out for a strong smell. Healthy and clean pools and water parks do not have a strong characteristic smell. • Look at the pool to see whether it's clean and clear, and the drain is visible. • Do not urinate in the water and ensure that your children are taught the same. • Avoid swallowing the water. • Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea. • Shower immediately after using the pool.

Cryptosporidium in swimming pools can cause of diarrhea

Cryptosporidium in swimming pools can cause of diarrhea Maintaining pool hygiene and self management are key to warding off this dangerous parasite New Delhi, 19 May 2017: In what can be called as avoiding another risk factor in the summer months, experts have advised against consumption of swimming pool water. Any inadvertent ingestion of even chlorinated pool water can produce cryptosporidium which results in stomach upset. Statistics indicate that the prevalence of this disease in diarrhoea patients in India is 1.3% from Northern India, 4.5% from the eastern part of the country (West Bengal), 5.5% from South to West (Mumbai), and 13.1% from South India.
"Cryptosporidium" or "Crypto", the microscopic parasite can make otherwise healthy adults and children feel incredibly sick with stomach cramps, nausea, and bouts of diarrhea lasting up to three weeks. Once a pool or water playground is infected with crypto, it is easy to spread, but not easy to get rid of. The parasite can survive up to 10 days in properly chlorinated water, and it takes just a swig to get sick.
Speaking about this, , Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr R N Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "The infection begins when a person ingests the one-celled cryptosporidium parasite. There are some strains of cryptosporidium which can cause more serious issues. This parasite can travel to the intestinal tract and settle into the walls of the intestines. Once this happens, more cells are produced and shed in massive quantities into the feces becoming highly contagious with time. It is difficult to eradicate this parasite because of its resistance to many chlorine-based disinfectants and filters." The only way to ensure the health of the water once it has been infected is to close the pool and treat it with extremely high levels of chlorine. At an individual level, it is important to take precautions when swimming in pools. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Avoid swallowing any water and rinse it off in the shower once you get out of the pool. It is also better to avoid the pool while you are sick and wait for two weeks after symptoms subside from a suspected case of crypto before going swimming." Additionally, the following steps can be taken as part of self-management against contracting this disease. • Use the toilet before entering the pool • Shower and wash thoroughly all over with soap before entering the pool • Take kids on bathroom breaks. Check diapers, and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area–not poolside–to keep germs away from the pool.