Asked by: Nicolai Smith, Eastwood

Advertisement

Chlorine gas reacts with the water on your eye to form hydrochloric acid, which can cause blindness. The chlorine in pools is a safer combination of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions. But this can react with urine, sweat and by-products in the water to form chloramines that cause irritation. Irritation can also occur when water washes away the protective film on your eyes, which then allows infections from lingering bacteria.

Advertisement

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.

Authors

luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Sponsored Deals

BBC Science Focus Magazine Subscription Offer

May Half Price Sale

  • Save up to 52% when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
  • Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
  • FREE UK delivery.
  • Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement