The Dangers of Pool Chemicals Left Unattended

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared some frightening statistics regarding pool chemicals. Home pools make up over 56 percent of the injuries reported to the CDC and more than a third of these injuries involve children and teens. Pool chemicals put many people at risk for poisonings especially children and the Texas Poison Center Network wants you and your loved ones to be aware of what can happen when you encounter some of these toxic substances.

Did you know that pool chemical exposures send roughly 4,500 people to an emergency room every year? Luckily, these emergency visits can be preventable and all it takes is a little effort to safely store these chemicals locked up, away and out of reach.

What Makes Pool Chemicals Dangerous?

Pool chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine, are usually added to pools to treat the water and protect swimmers from spreading germs or causing illness outbreaks. Chlorine can also dry and irritate the skin. There are other pool chemicals you can find around hot tubs, saunas, and spas which help with disinfecting the water, stopping corrosion, protection from algae growth and improving overall water quality. If any of these chemicals are left out, they can fall into the wrong hands which can become a very unsafe situation. All these chemicals are dangerously toxic in high amounts.

Pool chemical poisonings can occur by breathing in the chemical fumes or gases when opening the containers which can cause shortness of breath, especially to those with asthma. Other injuries have occurred when pool chemicals are not secured, and children touch them or when people enter a pool too soon after chemicals have been added.

Safety Measures

Always keep pool chemicals stored up high and away where children cannot reach or get to them. It is also good to keep them in a locked container. If you are adding chemicals to a pool, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves, and any other recommended safety equipment listed on the product labels. The CDC does not recommend mixing pool chemicals, especially when it comes to chlorine and acid. You can learn more about pool safety and pool chemicals at the CDC website link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/pool-chemical-safety.html.

If you or someone you know might have been injured or poisoned by coming in contact with any pool chemicals, please do not hesitate to give the Texas Poison Center Network a call for assistance. We are here 24/7 to take your calls and assist you with your poison needs at 1-800-222-1222.