DNA-damaging disinfection by-products found in pool water

Study detects subtle changes in swimmers’ cells

Chemicals used to disinfect swimming pools generate other chemicals, some of which damage DNA in cells, according to a trio of new papers that quantified this effect not only in the lab but also in 49 swimmers.

WATER SAFETY Pool water and the by-products of chlorination that it releases into the air can trigger subtle DNA damage in swimmers, new studies indicate.