Hot? How About a Swim
Source: popsci.com
Today we hit a record high where I live. In fact, as I write this, it is still in the triple digits. I could use a little cooling dip in a pool. If you are suffering from the heat and are seeking some relief, you may want to be advised of some stats regarding pool water.
According to studies done by the CDC, you are more likely to get sick from pathogens in pool water than a natural body of water. Their report discovered that some pathogens have become resistance to chlorine and it is these pathogens which have given a rise in the reported cases of water borne infections. Based on the study, you are almost 3.5 times more likely to get infected in treated water than a natural source.
They found that the source of most of these pathogens was human poop. The pathogen is introduced into the water from an infected person, from there anyone whom either inadvertently drinks the water or inhales some of the water mist.
The main pathogen found was Cryptosporidium, this is a parasite that lives in animal intestines and spreads by shedding itself from feces into water sources. Next was Norovirus which is spread through vomit and feces. As you can see the main factor of transmission is poop.
Chlorine can control many pathogens but Cryptosporidium can survive in chlorinated water for more than a week.
The most likely place for outbreaks were from hotel pools and it was even more likely from hotel hot tubs or spas. The heated water is more conducive for the growth of pathogens. Hotels were followed by public pools.
Living in Florida for the past 30+ years, I have gone swimming quite a bit at the beach and at a number of different pools. Given the fact I have managed to avoid getting sick as have other members of my family I have to assume the risk is fairly low. I don't doubt there is some risk but It's a risk to walk out your front door. Or just to lie in your bed for that matter. It doesn't seem like something to worry excessively about. Having said that, most problems are going to come from pools that are not maintained properly (improper chlorine or pH levels). Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and don't swim if something doesn't seem right. If you are super paranoid you can even buy your own test strips fairly cheaply (less than $10) that will tell you if a pool is being properly treated.
Not sure about the effects of Fukushima but living on the East coast of the U.S. I feel reasonably safe, at least in that regard, for now.
I think whether one succumbs to a pathogens is related to the person's overall health, but in some cases it is better to avoid the risk. As you mentioned, common senses goes a long way to avoiding hazard and obsessing over it is futile. So if you are staying at a nice hotel with an overall clean look and not in disrepair, I would have no problem taking a cooling swim but I would also make sure that I took a shower afterwards.
Radiation is a different issue. It has been 7 years, enough time for the radiation to circle the earth at least a few times so I would tend to believe the levels are up worldwide but I understand the levels are more elevated on the west coast. The problem is that the Japanese still have not contained the leaking and they are planning on dumping almost a million gallons of radioactive waste water into the ocean as the containment vessels they build are close to capacity. So I feel it is prudent to be aware of it for example, I stopped eating fish caught in the Pacific a few years ago but I still eat fish from the Atlantic.
I appreciate your comment, you raise some valid points.
Hi @outwalking, you have provided very useful and health related information. This info is useful for those who are frequently using public pools and spa. Thanks...
Thank you for reading and commenting. I have known about this for years and I normally don't go swimming. Even at the beach is questionable, ever since Fukushima.
I appreciate your support, thank you.