Why You Shouldn't Pee in the Pool

A new study found that giving in to nature can be dangerous.
A new study found that giving in to nature can be dangerous.

Come on, you've at least thought about doing it.

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One in five Americans openly admit that they've peed in a public swimming pool -- including Olympic swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, so if you have, you're in pretty good company. But, according to a new study, you really shouldn't.

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Research published in the American Chemical Society's Environmental Science & Technology journal says that uric acid from pee mixes with chlorine in pools to create two toxic gases: trichloramine, which is linked to acute lung problems, and cyanogen chloride, which is known to affect the heart, lungs, and central nervous system. Low levels of these chemicals have been linked to eye and throat irritation, while high levels can present more dangerous problems.

- By Natalie Gontcharova

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