Next time you plan to take a dip in your local pool, you might want to consider wearing goggles. An expert has shed light on what truly causes your eyes to turn red.
Swimming can be a refreshing way to cool down or a strenuous workout, but you may want to reconsider after this revelation.
One major downside of swimming in pools is the effect it has on your eyes. They can become bloodshot, itchy, or even sting.
But what is the actual cause behind this irritation? According to experts, it’s not solely the chlorine.
In reality, when you swim without goggles, your eyes may be exposed to much more than you expected.
Your mom might have been wrong when she said it was just the chlorine that caused the stinging sensation.
Ready for the real reason? Many people found the truth quite revolting, and it’s easy to understand why.
One major factor is that swimmers often urinate in the water. This is only part of the issue.
In 2015, Michele Hlavsa, the chief of the CDC’s healthy swimming program, spoke to Today about what really happens.
She explained: “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.”
She further elaborated on other contaminants people introduce into the pool.
She stated: “It’s chlorine mixed with poop and sweat and a lot of other things we bring into the water with us.”
Though this fact isn’t new, it was news to many on social media.
“Ewwww stop,” one Twitter user reacted upon learning this.
“Nice knowing you, swimming pools, goodbye forever,” someone else commented.
“Who are these idiots who relieve themselves in swimming pools anyway? It’s just gross and ghetto,” another person added.
“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 remarked.
That might not be a bad idea. Rethinking summer swimming plans, or at least waiting until the pools are less crowded, could be wise.