Video addresses hazards of peeing in pools

August 20, 2016  11:02

Public restrooms are disgusting, but peeing in the pool is even worse. The American Chemical Society uploaded a video on their “Reactions” YouTube channel, detailing how peeing in a pool is anything but harmless.

Pools are treated with chemicals like chlorine to get rid of bacteria, such as Salmonella or E.Coli — but these disinfectants also interact with human sweat, dirt and (you guessed it) urine.

These interactions form some gross compounds called Disinfection Byproducts, or DBPs, and they’re pretty unhealthy.

For starters, that familiar “pool smell,” often attributed to chlorine, is actually the product of chlorine mixing with urea — a chemical found in urine.

This compound is called trichloramine, and it’s also why people sometimes experience burning or itchy eyes — or even asthma issues.

Pee makes up half of all the DBPs in pools, so you’re not the only one secretly relieving yourself in the shallow corner.

But for the sake of public health and your fellow swimmers, brave the public restroom and keep it out of the deep end.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive
 
  • Most read
 
  • Find us on Facebook
 
  • Poll
Are you aware that in 2027 medical insurance will become mandatory for all Armenian citizens?
I’m aware, and I'm in favor
I’m not aware, and I'm against
I'm aware, but I'm still undecided
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm in favor
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm against
It doesn't matter to me