Swimming Pool Chemical Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States, with approximately 339 million swimming visits to recreational water venues.  Pool chemical injuries account for as many as 5,200 emergency room visitis each year.  As stated in a CDC Press release at http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090514.htm , a new study by the CDC published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that these injuries are preventable.  The study states that persons can be injured by inhaling fumes when they open pool chemical containers, attempting to pre-dissolve chemicals, or handling them improperly.  Persons can also be injured when chemicals splash into their eyes.  Public pool operators and residential pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by always securing pool chemicals, reading product names and manufacturer’s directions before each use, using appropriate protective gear, including safety gloves and glasses, and never mixing chlorine products with each other, with acid, or with any other substance.  Further information in this regard is at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/pool_chem_assoc_inj.pdf .