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Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on September 11, 2008
Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdn073
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© The Author 2008, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Review of acute chemical incidents involving exposure to chlorine associated with swimming pools in England and Wales, June–October 2007


H. Lucy Thomas, Specialist Registrar in Public Health
Virginia Murray, Head of Unit and Consultant Medical Toxicologist

Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division (London), Health Protection Agency, London WC1V 7PP, UK


Address correspondence to H. Lucy Thomas, E-mail: lucy.thomas{at}hpa.org.uk


  Abstract

Background Acute chemical incidents involving chlorine have potentially important public health consequences. Swimming pools are the single most common setting for such incidents in the UK. This study systematically describes the distribution, characteristics and public health consequences of all acute chemical incidents associated with swimming pools in England and Wales over a 5-month summer period.

Methods All chemical incidents occurring from June to October 2007 reported to the Health Protection Agency or identified through media reports were included. Standardized information on the incidents was collected from local Health protection units, emergency services and/or local authorities.

Results In the study period, 13 incidents were identified. In many of the incidents, evacuation and dispersal of those involved occurred before the arrival of emergency services and some individuals self-presented to clinical services. During the study period, no individuals suffered from severe health effects due to chlorine exposure.

Conclusions Acute chemical incidents associated with swimming pools are relatively common and can lead to the evacuation of large number of people even when the release is confined to the pool plant room. The evacuation and dispersal of wet, poorly clad swimmers may have negative health consequences. Incident management protocols should include consideration of when full pool evacuation is justified and mechanisms to ensure the correct advice is available for affected individuals.

Keywords: chemical hazards, health protection


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