Chlorine is a highly useful chemical that's also extremely dangerous − here's what to know about staying safe around it

Chlorine is a widely used industrial chemical that’s frequently a factor in toxic accidents and workplace injuries. A pharmaceutical expert explains why it’s so hazardous.

Aliasger K. Salem, Associate Vice President for Research and Bighley Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa • conversation
Nov. 27, 2023 ~8 min

3 factors threaten swimming as New England swelters

Sharks, bacteria, and pool closures combine to threaten swimming. Fun is at stake, say experts, but also public health.

Boston University • futurity
Sept. 7, 2023 ~12 min


Can you cry underwater?

An ophthalmologist explains how important tears are to keeping your eyes feeling good and working well – whether you’re on dry land or swimming in a body of water.

Geoffrey Bradford, Professor of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, West Virginia University • conversation
Aug. 21, 2023 ~6 min

Rip currents are dangerous for swimmers but also ecologically important – here's how scientists are working to understand these 'rivers of the sea'

Rip currents are a leading cause of near-shore drownings, but there are effective ways to survive one. And these phenomena also play important ecological roles that are an emerging research area.

Walter Torres, Postdoctoral Scholar, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington • conversation
July 21, 2023 ~8 min

'To Sink or Swim' Is Up to You

VOA Learning English • voa
July 15, 2023 ~4 min

Five ways to know if a river is polluted – and whether it's safe to go in the water

And other ways to enjoy open water safely this summer.

David Werner, Professor in Environmental Systems Modelling, Newcastle University • conversation
June 21, 2023 ~6 min

Heading to a beach this summer? Here's how to keep harmful algae blooms from spoiling your trip

The tiny organisms that cause harmful blooms of algae can have a big impact on your trip to the shore. A toxicologist explains what causes these events and how to keep people and pets safe.

Brad Reisfeld, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Public Health, Colorado State University • conversation
May 3, 2023 ~8 min

Prevent child drowning: No blue suits or mermaid tails

Expert Jen Lau has advice for parents to preventing children from drowning. Her advice include swimsuit color and designated watchers.

Scott Gilbert-Penn State • futurity
April 27, 2023 ~6 min


Swimming pools v wild swimming – a germs expert on which is worse

As well as the joy that comes with swimming, there can also be some dirty risks.

Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester • conversation
Feb. 27, 2023 ~6 min

Elite divers could shed light on lung disease

Researchers are studying elite free divers who can hold their breath for minutes at a time to uncover clues to lung diseases like COPD.

U. Oregon • futurity
Jan. 10, 2023 ~5 min

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