Health Protection Agency Warns Of Risks From Accidental Exposure To Raised Levels Of Chlorine In Swimming Pools

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Also Included In: Public Health;  Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 18 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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During the summer months there is an increase in the numbers of incidents associated with accidental release of high levels of chlorine in swimming pools, the Health Protection Agency warned. Since 2005, the Agency has given advice following 30 such incidents with eight incidents reported so far in 2007.

During April and May 2007 more than 140 people were exposed to raised levels of chlorine as a result of swimming pool incidents and about 20% of those exposed required medical attention.

Professor Gary Coleman from the Agency said: "We are keen to raise awareness of the health issues related to accidental exposure to high levels of chlorine and to provide practical information on how to respond to such incidents with a view to helping reduce their impact".

"Chlorine is one of the chemicals routinely used to disinfect swimming pools, as it keeps the water clean and prevents the transmission of waterborne diseases. When done correctly this does not pose a public health risk. However, accidents do occur and exposure to chlorine gas due to the unintentional mixing, or poor storage of these chemicals can be hazardous to health."

Exposure to chlorine may initially result in eye and lung irritation, the severity of which will depend on the concentration of the chemical and the length of time people were exposed. Even relatively minor exposures can result in burning of the eyes and throat, while more significant exposures can result in coughing and breathing difficulties.

If people are exposed to high levels of chlorine there are a number of basic steps that should be taken:

-- Remove the person(s) affected from the area of exposure (such as the swimming pool) and call for medical assistance or, depending on the severity, an ambulance.

-- Establish and maintain a clear airway and administer oxygen if required.

-- People with respiratory symptoms which continue after the exposure should be admitted to hospital.

-- IIndividuals who have been exposed but who have not developed symptoms should be advised to seek medical advice if they develop respiratory problems within the following 48 hours.

The Agency uses a national surveillance system which provides a picture of the nature, frequency and impact such chemical incidents have on public health. This has shown a rise in chemical incidents at swimming pools linked to the mishandling of chemicals used for disinfection, such as the incorrect mixing of chlorine products or over-chlorination of swimming pools. Such events tend to peak in the spring and summer months (April to September).

Any accident, however small, needs to be recognised so that it can be properly assessed and investigated in order to limit the extent of any risks to health.

Through the expert teams in its local Health Protection Units, the Agency can support this assessment and advise on any public health risks. See below for contact details.

-- For further information on the chemical Chlorine please see the Chlorine section of the Chemical Compendia on the HPA website.

-- Please notify your local Health Protection Unit if you have concerns about exposure to chlorine in a swimming pool.

-- For more information and support during a chemical incident please contact the chemical duty desk on 0870 606 4444.

-- Further information on the regulations surrounding the use and storage of chemicals is available in the publication Management of Spa Pools: Controlling the risks of infection , which was prepared jointly by the Health and Safety Executive and the Health Protection Agency.

-- Independent advice and guidelines on swimming pool water treatment and management is provided by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG). PWTAG produce the publication SWIMMING POOL WATER - Treatment and Quality Standards . See here.

-- The HSE has produced a guidance note on swimming pools, HSG179, which includes a chapter on pool water treatment systems. Further information is obtainable from HSE at http://www.hse.gov.uk/LAU/lacs/47-16.htm.

http://www.hpa.org.uk

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