Chlorine poisoning on summer vacation: For 26 people, the trip to Mallorca ended in hospital because a hotel in the north of the island had a technical problem with the chlorine supply to the pool. Reason for FITBOOK to take a look at the symptoms, possible consequences and treatment options in case of an exposure. How bad is chlorine for health?
Drama in the north of Mallorca: 26 people suffered from chlorine poisoning in the pool of the hotel in Port d’Alcúdia. Ten of them, including three children, were even taken to the hospital, as reported by the newspaper «Diario de Mallorca». According to the hotel management, a technical problem with the chlorine supply was the reason. But what is in store for those affected? How do you even recognize poisoning with this toxic and strong-smelling substance? Can a visit to the swimming pool or drinking water containing chlorine lead to this? Everything about symptoms, consequences and first aid measures.
Hotel opens two hours after chlorine poisoning
As the Samu emergency service on the Spanish holiday island of the “German Press Agency” reported, there were no travelers from Germany among those affected with severe symptoms. However, ten children were among the 26 people with chlorine poisoning – a seven-year-old is said to have been seriously injured. The remaining patients in the hospital, however, are stable. They would have to struggle with itching, vomiting, respiratory problems and burning eyes. After the incident, the hotel pool was temporarily closed, but reopened two hours later with normal chlorine levels.
Danger of chlorine poisoning and symptoms
Chlorine is a chemical element, a gaseous substance and a powerful natural oxidizer that is a real toxin to humans. Anyone who comes into contact with the yellow-greenish chemical in any way is definitely not doing their health any favours. Chlorine is often found in detergents, bathroom, all-purpose and glass cleaners, soaps, detergents or liquid caps (portioned liquid detergents). These things should therefore always be kept out of the reach of children.
There are three ways to come into contact with chlorine:
- skin contact: Burning, pain, swelling and redness in the affected areas
- Mucous membranes/eye contact: Nausea and irritation of the respiratory tract, burning eyes, redness
- orally by swallowing or inhaling: Irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, esophagus and digestive tract. Nausea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting or even shortness of breath and the development of pulmonary edema can also be the result
In the case of chlorine poisoning in Mallorca, those affected probably came into contact with the chlorine in all three ways. And if the concentration of the chemical is too high, the symptoms can be too severe and it can become life-threatening. Although there are some first aid measures that can be taken for minor incidents, a doctor should always be contacted.
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First aid in case of contact with chlorine
Chlorine cleaners should never be mixed with other cleaners, as toxic chlorine gas may be produced. If contact does occur, the following measures can provide initial relief and prevent worse:
In case of skin or eye contact
- Rinse affected areas immediately with water for about 15 minutes and preferably contact the ophthalmologist directly
- Remove clothing from affected area and wash skin with plenty of soap and water
With oral contact
- Inhalation: move to fresh air and ventilate the room immediately
- direct contact: wash mouth thoroughly and remove residue
- drink only 3 tablespoons of water or tea (adults, children 1 tablespoon)
- do not induce vomiting: foam bubbles can form which can be inhaled again and thus become dangerous
- Contact a doctor or nearest poison control center: A defoamer may be administered if necessary1
List of poison control centers and poison information centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Chlorine in the swimming pool dangerous for children
If you occasionally go to a swimming pool to cool off on hot summer days, you have nothing to fear at first. Regular visits with children, on the other hand, are more critical. In 2010, Belgian researchers examined the influence of swimming in chlorinated swimming pools on the risk of bronchiolitis and its long-term effects.2 The result of the study: Small children who splashed more often in chlorinated swimming pools had a greater risk of developing lung infections.
In addition, the likelihood of suffering from lifelong asthma or allergies increases because chlorine sensitizes the airways and makes them more vulnerable. One of the scientists’ theories is that the toxic toxin forms chemical compounds with the sweat, saliva and urine of bathers that can attack the lungs. In outdoor pools, however, the risk is lower than in indoor pools because the vapors are released in the fresh air.
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Is drinking water dangerous?
Chlorination is also used in tap water to kill bacteria and thus prevent infections. You will therefore not get chlorine poisoning. Nevertheless, opinions differ in research with regard to possible consequences. As a study with 130 children was able to show, chlorinated water does not have an immense effect on the intestinal flora. The bowel movements of the children aged 15 to 30 months showed a lower diversity of species, but those test persons with access to chlorine water also had fewer germs overall. The results therefore indicate that the development of the intestinal flora is not steered in an undesirable direction by chlorinated water. This is also a good finding in relation to improved access to drinking water.3
Sources
- 1. Federal Office of Public Health. A campaign on chemical products in everyday life. (accessed on 05.07.2022).
- 2. Sardella A, Marcucci F, Bernard A (2010). Infant swimming in chlorinated pools and the risks of bronchiolitis, asthma and allergy. European Respiratory Journal.
- 3. Nadimpalli, ML, Lanza, VF, Montealegre, MC (2022). Drinking water chlorination has minor effects on the intestinal flora and resistomes of Bangladeshi children. Nature Microbiology.