Next time you head to your local pool, you might want to consider wearing goggles, as an expert has revealed what actually causes your eyes to turn red.
Taking a refreshing dip in a swimming pool can be a great way to cool down or get in a workout, but you might have second thoughts after learning this.
One of the most bothersome aspects of swimming in pools is the effect it has on your eyes afterwards.
Your eyes may appear bloodshot, red, itchy, or even stinging.
But what’s the real cause? Experts say it’s not just the chlorine.
In reality, if you swim without goggles, your eyes might be exposed to more than you realize.
So, your mom was mistaken when she said it’s just the chlorine causing the stinging.
Ready to hear the truth? Many people find the actual cause pretty disgusting, and you might too.
The real reason is that swimmers sometimes pee in the water. Yes, that’s part of it.
In 2015, Michele Hlavsa, the chief of the CDC’s healthy swimming program, spoke to Today and explained what’s really happening.
She stated: “The nitrogen in the urine combines with the chlorine and it forms what’s known as chloramine and it’s actually chloramine that causes the red eyes.”
To make matters worse, she detailed what else people bring into the pool.
She added: “It’s chlorine mixed with poop and sweat and a lot of other things we bring into the water with us.”
While this isn’t new information, it was still news to many social media users.
“Ewwww stop,” one person wrote on Twitter after learning this.
“Nice knowing you, swimming pools, goodbye forever,” commented another.
“Who are these idiots who relieve themselves in swimming pools anyway? It’s just gross and ghetto,” a third remarked.
“Good to know, good to know… I never go swimming anyways and maybe this is one of the reasons. If I go into a body of water its going to be a River, Lake, Pond or ETC…” another user added.
It may not be a terrible idea to reconsider your summer swimming plans. I might wait until the kids are back in school before heading to the pool again.