In Italy, a 9 -year -old child would have inhaled an excessive quantity of chlorine, while he was bathed in a municipal swimming pool. Four others were taken care of by the emergency services, suffering from respiratory problems, dizziness and discomfort.
Chlorine leak: a 9 -year -old child plunged into a coma
On that day, around 10:30 am, several children began to feel disturbing symptoms. A child would have even alerted his mother by saying that “water became yellow”. Alessio, the brother of one of the intoxicated children, described the scene.
“While we were in the swimming pool, a large amount of chlorine came out of a pipe, forming a yellow spot. My brother Mattia jumped in this area. We all all were. My mother rinsed and made a lot of water drink to make us spit out what we had swallowed.”
If four children were able to leave the hospital shortly after this accident, the state of the 9 -year -old boy remains very serious. Still in intensive and intubated care, it is in a coma. Doctors fear significant neurological sequelae linked to the inhalation of chlorine.
His very moved father said: “My wife was crying, she told me that our son had trouble breathing. She made him drink a lot of water hoping for him to vomit. In the ambulance, they tried to revive him, he suffered enormously, he was folded in two “.
An investigation must clarify the circumstances of this accident. But already the first observations seem to confirm an overdose of chlorine. This suggests dysfunction or human error in the water treatment system.
The risks linked to chlorine, explained by Dr Gérald Kierzek
According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, the risks linked to the chlorine include respiratory irritations, especially in children. It also warns against the inhalation of concentrated vapors that can cause pulmonary burns. He also specifies that “The risk of allergies and asthma is increased, especially in regular swimmers, who are two to three times more affected than other athletes”.
In addition to the respiratory effects, the chlorine also causes irritation of the skin and eyes, as well as cases of contact eczema and a drying of the skin and hair.
“”A strong emission of chlorinated gas and the inhalation of toxic vapors can seriously intoxicate those present“Assures our expert. He also recalls the vulnerability of children.”Their respiratory system is more fragile, they breathe faster, and their lower body weight makes them more vulnerable to toxic concentrations “.
In this case, exposure to massive and concentrated vapors of chlorine led this child in a coma.
What prevention and security measures to take, with the chlorine of swimming pools?
To avoid this type of accident, the doctor recommends scrupulously respecting the dosages, forming staff with secure manipulations and installing adequate ventilation systems. “”It is also necessary to regularly control chlorine rates, with a recommended dosage between 0.4 and 1.4 mg/l (ppm) of free chlorine“Advises Dr. Kierzek.
Moreover, “In the event of an abnormal odor of chlorine, it is necessary to immediately evacuate the swimming pool and to consult in an emergency in the event of respiratory symptoms after exposure “.
Finally, securing products during their storage is essential. “”They must be stored in a locked premises and out of the reach of children“Recalls our expert. Without forgetting to protect themselves when handling this product: gloves, glasses and mask are necessary. “And above all, it is essential not to mix different chemicals“Concludes the doctor.
Pool health safety: Who controls?
Guaranteeing the health safety of swimming pools requires the collaboration of several actors, each having a specific and complementary role in ensuring optimal protection.
- Managers are the first responsible for the quality of infrastructure and water. Their mission includes daily monitoring of water treatment equipment and the quality of basins. They must also maintain hygiene from health facilities, beaches and basins, ensure compliance with the internal regulations and the maximum authorized capacity;
- The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is responsible for the organization and implementation of health control. It checks that operators comply with the regulations, especially when opening a new swimming pool or significant changes. The ARS can perform inspections and intervene in the event of complaints or incidents.
- Approved laboratories : Selected by ARS After a call for tenders, these laboratories take samples and bacteriological and physico-chemical analyzes of water. They inform the operator and the ARS in the event of non-compliance with quality standards.
- The public : Users contribute to maintaining water quality while respecting the hygiene rules established by the internal regulations. They can also report to managers any malfunction, such as cleanliness problems.