Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
192581 
Journal Article 
Chlorine poisoning at the swimming pool: An overlooked hazard 
Decker, WJ; Koch HF  
1978 
1 
Clinical Toxicology
ISSN: 1556-3650
EISSN: 1556-9519 
13 
3 
377-382 
English 
743867 
A pool attendant received a significant exposure to chlorine gas. Because of a great potential for future incidents, this case is presented along with a comprehensive plan for clinical management, as well as suggestions for prevention of toxic chlorine exposure. Although this is the 1st report of swimming pool-associated chlorine poisoning, it is suspected that similar incidents have occurred in the past, and will continue to occur. Treatment of such exposures may not have been optimal. An immediate, aggressive and extensive plan of treatment, the extent of which should be decided by the physician responsible for the victim's care according to the clinical course, is proposed. All swimming pool personnel should be made fully aware of the toxicity of chlorine gas. Pool attendants should be carefully trained in maintaining the chlorination system of the pool. Areas of potential leaks should be checked by exposure to ammonia. A bottle of household ammonia can be used for a leak detector since ammonia fumes will react with HCl. 
Adolescent; Chlorine/*poisoning; Humans; Irritants; Male; Occupational Diseases/*chemically induced; *Swimming Pools; 0 (Irritants); 7782-50-5 (Chlorine)