Pool chemical-associated health events in public and residential settings - United States, 2003-2012, and Minnesota, 2013.
Pool chemicals are added to treated recreational water venues (e.g., pools, hot tubs/spas, and interactive fountains) primarily to protect public health by inactivating pathogens and maximizing the effectiveness of disinfection by controlling pH. However, pool chemicals also can cause injuries when handled or stored improperly. To estimate the number of emergency department (ED) visits for injuries associated with pool chemicals in the United States per year during 2003-2012, CDC analyzed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis. In 2012 alone, an estimated 4,876 persons (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2,821-6,930) visited an ED for injuries associated with pool chemicals. Almost half of the patients were aged <18 years. This report also describes a pool chemical-associated health event that occurred in Minnesota in 2013, which sent seven children and one adult to an ED. An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) determined the cause to be poor monitoring of or response to pool chemistry. Pool chemical-associated health events are preventable. CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) (1) is a resource that state and local agencies can use to optimize prevention of injuries and illnesses associated with public treated recreational water venues, including pool chemical-associated health events.
Michele C
MC
Hlavsa
Trisha J
TJ
Robinson
Sarah A
SA
Collier
Michael J
MJ
Beach
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002712:Chlorides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013551:Swimming Pools; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D002712:Chlorides; D004202:Disinfectants