During the summer, swimming pools and beaches are popular places to cool off and enjoy the sun. However, few consider the health hazards they sometimes present. Pool and beach water have bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause illnesses, some of them serious.
Swimmers should take precautions to prevent illness. They should not swallow water from the pool or beach, wash their hands frequently and not swim with wounds on their skin.
Swimming outdoors relieves stress and increases our endorphins, hormones related to pleasure, which create a sense of well-being while burning calories by working our muscles. But, the joys of swimming outdoors have dangers. For example, the sewage that regularly flows into seas, rivers, and lakes always lurks with viruses and bacteria.
In addition, it is essential to remember that swimming in a pool also carries certain risks, usually well-identified: urinary tract infections, otitis, and stomach pains. Inadequately maintained pools cause eye irritation and tingling and are a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and germs. They can also contain traces of urine, feces, and even human sweat.
If bathing or swimming at the beach carries as many risks as in the pool, the question is, where are we safer? The answer is complicated, as the presence of toxic agents is often invisible. A good tip: trust your survival instinct if the water is not clear or the surrounding air does not smell good.
Outdoor waters also present natural hazards compared to swimming pools, especially in summer. Blue algae or cyanobacteria are bacteria found naturally in lake ecosystems. During hot summers, they multiply and form a greenish foam on the water’s surface. This blue algae bloom releases toxins that are harmful to humans and sometimes deadly to pets. Do not let your dog bathe or drink there.
Swimming or swallowing water where algae is present causes skin rashes, eye irritation, severe gastrointestinal disorders, fever, and muscle and joint pain.
Diarrhea is the most common illness associated with swimming in open water, frequently due to its contamination by sewage. In addition, leptospirosis causes liver and kidney damage and is fatal if untreated. See a doctor if you have flu, like symptoms or jaundice for up to two weeks after swimming.
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One study found that in the sea, swimmers are more prone to ear, nose, throat, and gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, it is advisable to shower after swimming in outdoor waters, especially before eating. Pool water with correct chlorine and pH levels is safer for swimming, as it is less likely to contain infectious microorganisms.
✖️ Respiratory illnesses. Some polluted beaches have a high concentration of near-shore air pollutants, such as smog, fine particles, and dust. Inhalation of these pollutants aggravates pre-existing respiratory problems and causes symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma exacerbation.
✖️ Contamination by ingestion. It happens when contaminated water splashes into the mouth or children play on the shore and put their hands in their mouths.
✖️ Chemical contamination. Polluted beaches discharge hazardous chemicals, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, or toxic wastes. Exposure to these substances causes long-term adverse health effects, including neurological difficulties and hormonal disorders.
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🟧❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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✅ Does beach sand also contaminate? Yes, beach sand can also be infected and cause disease if it comes into contact with it. Fecal contamination affects sand more than beach water. Beach pollution has multiple causes, including inadequate sewage treatment, trash, and debris in the sand, and boat pollution. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to closure, warning, and safety signs on the beach and to choose areas regularly monitored,
✅ What diseases are transmitted by beach sand pollution? Some conditions from beach sand contamination include: Diarrhea. Contact with contaminated sand can cause diarrhea due to fecal waste. Conjunctivitis. Contaminated sand may contain bacteria and viruses that can cause eye infections, such as conjunctivitis.
Dermatitis. The presence of organic residues in sand contributes to the formation of fungi and bacteria harmful to the skin, resulting in dermatitis. Mycosis. Contaminated sand may contain fungi that cause skin infections.
⭕️ Caution. Children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to become ill or infected if they come into contact with contaminated water or sand.
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