The last few weeks, my son and I have been frequenting the public pool, and with the kindergarten summer break approaching, I'm anticipating that we'll still be seeing the pool a number of times this summer, weather and temperatures permitting.

So it concerns me to read that the chlorine in indoor pools may result to increased asthma risk, as it can damage the lungs. according to the study, the number and availability of indoor swimming pools are directly proportional to the incidences of asthma in children in Europe.

Research in Belgium has already suggested that regular pool attendance, especially by young children, increases the risk of developing asthma - especially among the 30% of children who are atopic (susceptible to allergies). Trichloramine gas - a byproduct of chlorination which produces the distinctive "chlorine smell" - is to blame. Water-insoluble, it goes straight into the lungs when inhaled and damages the tissue there.

Of course, you can go natural, and go to the lakes instead. But that brings a whole new set of problems altogether. I guess, you could simply stick to open air pools, where the gas can freely dissipate. Or pay more attention to the cholrination policies of the pools you visit. I can imagine that if the treatment are done such that the gas can dissipate before they open the pools to the public, that should be considerably safer. Don't pin me down on it, though, as I have no scientific data.