Breathing Beneath the Surface: A Review of Airborne Toxins in Indoor Pools

Indoor pool facilities rely on chemical disinfection and mechanical ventilation systems to maintain water and air quality, but these same processes can generate harmful byproducts that threaten public health. This literature review synthesizes research on disinfection by-products, including their formation, behavior, and associated health effects. Studies consistently demonstrate that disinfection by-products contribute to the increased risk of respiratory irritation and asthma in swimmers. The more drastic effects have linked disinfection by-product exposure to the elevated risk of cancer, with elite athletes and children identified as the most vulnerable groups. Ventilation effectiveness and pool occupancy rate significantly influence airborne DBP concentrations. Although alternative treatment methods such as ozonation and UV radiation can reduce disinfection by-product levels, they introduce new challenges, including increased chlorine demand. These findings highlight the need for improved treatment technologies and stricter air quality policies to mitigate health risks in enclosed aquatic environments for pool users and employees.