Is Playing in the Rain Healthy or Harmful? What Nigerians Should Know About Rainy Days
When rain starts falling in Nigeria, one of the funniest things you’ll notice is how differently people react. Some adults run as fast as possible to find shelter, clutching bags, clothes, and files so they won’t get soaked. Meanwhile, you’ll see groups of children laughing, screaming, and splashing in the rain as if it’s the best thing in the world.
So, who’s right? Is rain dangerous and something to run away from, or is it harmless—and even healthy—to play in it?
Let’s look at the truth about rain, health, and safety.
Is Rainwater Itself Dangerous?
The simple answer is no—rainwater itself isn’t harmful. Clean rain is just condensed water from clouds. Falling rain does not carry diseases on its own, and touching or letting rain fall on your skin is generally harmless.
Many people even say rainwater feels fresh and cool, and it’s part of nature’s way of cleansing the environment.
However, there are several reasons why people are cautious about rain—especially in urban areas.
Reasons People Run From Rain
1. Getting Cold and Sick
While rain doesn’t “cause” diseases like malaria directly, getting wet and cold for too long can weaken your body’s resistance.
When your body gets chilled from cold rain, your immune system can slow down slightly, making you more vulnerable to:
- Cough
- Catarrh
- Cold
- Fever
- Pneumonia (if severely chilled and exposed)
That’s why mothers often shout at children playing in rain: “Come inside, you’ll catch cold!”
2. Dirty Rainwater on the Ground
Rain falling from the sky may be clean, but rainwater on the ground is not.
In cities, rain mixes with:
- Sand and dust
- Engine oil from vehicles
- Sewage water from gutters
- Animal waste
- Harmful chemicals
Children who splash in puddles or walk barefoot during heavy rain can expose themselves to skin infections, ringworm, or bacteria that can cause stomach upsets if accidentally swallowed.
3. Acid Rain in Polluted Areas
In big cities with air pollution (like Lagos or Port Harcourt), rain sometimes carries dissolved pollutants such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides. This is called acid rain.
Short-term skin contact with mild acid rain won’t harm you, but it’s not good to let it stay long on your body, hair, or clothes. And definitely, it should not be drunk.
4. Danger of Lightning
This is one of the biggest dangers during rainstorms. Lightning strikes can be fatal.
- Never stay under trees or open fields during thunderstorms.
- Avoid swimming or standing in water during a storm.
Thunderstorms can kill—not because of the rain itself, but because of electric discharges.
Are There Benefits to Playing in Rain?
Despite the risks, rain does have its beautiful benefits:
- Cooling and Freshness: Rain cools hot Nigerian days and reduces heat stress.
- Cleans the Air: It washes away dust, smoke, and pollutants.
- Joy and Mental Health: Playing in rain can boost mood, reduce stress, and make people feel happy.
- Good Exercise for Children: Running, jumping, and splashing help kids stay active.
How to Let Kids Play in Rain Safely
If you have children who love rain, here’s how to allow safe enjoyment:
- Limit the Time: Let them play briefly (10–15 minutes) to avoid being chilled.
- Avoid Dirty Water: Keep kids away from puddles, gutters, and areas with visible oil or dirt.
- Warm Clothes Afterward: Change into dry, warm clothes immediately. Give them something warm to drink if it’s cold outside.
- Stay Indoors During Thunderstorms: Never let anyone play outside if thunder and lightning are active.
- Watch for Symptoms: If a child develops fever, cough, or body pains after playing in rain, visit a doctor promptly.
For Adults Too
Adults sometimes secretly want to dance in the rain but hold back out of embarrassment or fear of getting sick. The same rules apply:
- If it’s a light shower and there’s no thunderstorm, a few minutes in rain won’t harm you.
- Avoid long exposure if the rain is cold or heavy.
- Change into dry clothes quickly.
- Don’t walk barefoot in puddles, especially in cities.
The Final Word
So, is rain harmful or healthy?
- Rain itself isn’t dangerous.
- Cold and wet clothes can weaken your immunity.
- Dirty puddles carry infections.
- Thunderstorms are truly dangerous.
For children, brief rain play under supervision is fine. For adults, enjoy the freshness—but wisely. Rain is part of nature’s gift, but respecting its risks keeps you safe and healthy.
Next time it rains, whether you run for shelter or dance under the drops, you’ll know the facts!
For more health and lifestyle tips, visit our Health Category.
