As the summer sun beckons, pools become a sanctuary for cooling off and enjoying outdoor activities. However, amidst the joy of swimming, there exists a lesser-known risk: chlorine burns. Clorine is a common disinfectant used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses. But Chlorine can also cause skin irritation and chemical burns if not responsibly managed. Understanding this risk is paramount for both pool owners and swimmers alike.
Chlorine burns typically occur due to prolonged exposure to chlorinated water or direct contact with concentrated chlorine solutions. Factors such as improperly kept pool chemistry, over-chlorination, or inadequate rinsing after swimming can worsen the risk of burns. Children may be more vulnerable to corrosive agents like chlorine for the following reasons:
- Longer playtime in the water and diapers increase exposure levels.
- A greater lung surface area to body weight ratio increases the exposure levels.
- The smaller diameter of their airways increases exposures.
- A shorter stature increases the risk of breathing higher concentrations because chlorine is heavier than air.
Additionally, individuals with sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions may be more susceptible to chlorine-induced irritation.
Symptoms and Effects
Typically, chlorine burns manifest as redness, itching, dryness, and in severe cases, blistering and peeling of the skin. These symptoms often appear shortly after swimming and can persist for hours or days, depending on the severity of exposure. Moreover, prolonged, or repeated exposure to chlorine can worsen skin irritation, leading to chronic discomfort and potential long-term skin damage. Inhalation may burn lungs and airways. Extreme exposures may cause death by asphyxiation.
Prevention of Chlorine Burns
Swimming pool owners play crucial roles in preventing chlorine burns. Swimming pool owners must keep proper water chemistry through regular testing and adjustment of chlorine levels is essential. To protect the public, regulators periodic testing procedures and mandates safe chlorine levels. The safe level of chlorine in swimming pools is 1-3 parts per million (ppm) and anything above 5 ppm can be dangerous. Additionally, indoor pool facilities require adequate ventilation to help reduce the concentration of chlorine vapor in the air, minimizing the risk of inhalation-related irritation. Your local state department of health regulates chlorine levels in swimming pools.
Seeking Medical Attention
If symptoms of chlorine burns develop, people exposed should seek medical attention at once, especially if the irritation is severe or persistent. Healthcare professionals can provide proper treatment, such as topical creams or ointments to alleviate discomfort and promote skin healing. In extreme instances of severe burns, debridement of the skin may be necessary.
Legal Liability for Chlorine Burns
Pool owners and operators may be liable for injuries caused by failure to keep safe levels of chlorine. For severe injuries and clear liability, people have recovered multi-million-dollar settlements. For example, a South Carolina resort and its insurance companies paid $26 million to the family of a child who suffered serious chemical burns from an overchlorinated pool. The family claimed the local hospital diagnosed blisters as chemical burns related to exposure to an overchlorinated pool at the Caribbean Resort and Villas. The child underwent extremely painful treatment and sustained permanent scarring in his groin. Those injured by chlorine should consult an attorney with experience in both personal injuries and toxic torts.
Conclusion
While chlorine plays a vital role in supporting pool hygiene, it has the potential to cause severe injury. By understanding the causes of chlorine burns and implementing preventive measures, both pool owners and swimmers can enjoy the benefits of swimming while minimizing the risk of adverse skin reactions.
