It's Not Chlorine But Urine That Causes Red Eye in Pools: CDC

If swimming is your favourite indulgence during summers, better hit the sea. For in pools, you could get more than what you bargain for.

CDC reportedly said swimmers experiencing red eyes and runny nose after a swim in pools are victims of pee from other swimmers. Contrary to popular belief that chlorinated water is the cause, it is a mixture of chlorine with urine that produces compounds called chloramine which leaves one with more than a bad taste in the mouth!

In fact, the strong smell most people associated with chlorine is not chlorine itself.

"What you smell are actually chemicals that form when chlorine mixes with pee, poop, sweat, and dirt from swimmers' bodies. Yuck! These chemicals-not chlorine-can cause your eyes to get red and sting, make your nose run, and make you cough. Healthy pools, waterparks, hot tubs, splash pads, and spray parks don't have a strong chemical smell," CDC said in its Healthy Swimming report.

CDC also advised swimmers to avoid the pool if they have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids during breaks when swimming and shower for at least a minute to get rid of the body's dirt before entering the pool. Inspecting the pool with check strips is also advised. Most importantly, if the pool has a pungent odor of chlorine, give it a pass.