GOING for a swim while smothered in sunscreen puts your health at risk, say researchers.

Chlorinated water and UV rays from the sun break down a compound in the creams into toxic chemicals.

3 Swimming in a pool while wearing sunblock on can lead to health problems, researchers claim Credit: Alamy

Two of those chemicals have been linked to infertility, immune system damage and even cancer.

Researcher Dr Albert Lebedev said: “A generally safe compound transforms in the water and forms more dangerous products.”

The study focused on avobenzone, the most popular sun-blocker in the world.

It is used in lipsticks, creams, moisturisers and other cosmetics because of its ability to absorb damaging UV rays.

But the Russian researchers found it breaks down in chlorinated water.

Two of the chemicals produced — acetyl benzenes and phenols — are particularly toxic.

3 Dr Albert Lebedev warns chlorinated water turns sunscreen dangerous

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The reaction usually happened on the swimmers’ wet skin, the researchers noted.

They also fear there is a further risk if the water contains copper salts, put in pools to make them look blue.

Sunscreen can then break down into a substance linked to liver and kidney problems and nervous system disorders.