Ann Cormier splashes around in the pool with her daughters once a week.

She isn't worried about the chlorine in the pools. 

Other mothers agree.  

But a new European study shows that wealthy western countries with indoor pools seem to have higher rates of asthma. And scientists blame it on a gas produced by chlorine, which can be harmful to babies and young children.

And that's worrying some parents. 

Chlorine destroys the bacteria and viruses found in water, but it can also damage the surface of the lungs. Making young children more vulnerable to asthma. And scientists say that the number of indoor pools in our country contributes to high asthma rates

Canada is seventh on a list of countries ranked for their percentage of asthma rates.

But dr. Brian lyttle says chlorine can sometimes have a negative affect on lungs when there is already a history of breathing problems or if you are exposed to it for a long time. 

But he doesn't believe that chlorine is the main cause for high asthma rates in our country.

Still, the Supervisor of Aquatics at one of the city's pools, says they are considering using salt as an alternative to chlorine.