New York City’s Indoor Pools and Exposure Concerns to Chloramines and Increased Sensitivity to Mold and Bacteria
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation has a dozen indoor pools for residents of the city to enjoy. Across the entire metropolitan area, there are countless other indoor pools at health clubs, schools, hotels, multi-tenant apartment and condo complexes, and even at some high-end private residences.
Swimmers and even people who work around indoor pools can be at increased risk of experiencing conditions such as stinging eyes, nasal irritation, or difficulty breathing after being in the water or simply breathing the air near an indoor pool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that new research indicates that these symptoms may be an indication of poor water and indoor air quality (IAQ) caused by a build-up of irritants, known as chloramines, in the water and air. Chloramines are formed by the reaction of free chlorine with organic substances.
“Breathing air when it has elevated levels of these chemical irritants can cause a variety of health issues that range from mild symptoms, such as coughing, to more severe reactions that may include wheezing or aggravating asthma,” said Michael Berrevoets, President, VOETS, LLC. “The CDC also states that routine breathing of irritants may increase sensitivity to other types of irritants such as fungi and bacteria, two other common issues found at facilities that house indoor pools.”
The building science professionals at VOETS provide indoor environmental consulting and testing for indoor pool facilities throughout New York City and the tri-state area. They offer testing for chloramines and other chemical compounds as well as testing for microbial contaminants such as Legionella and mold. In addition, their experts can analyze a facility’s air turnover rate and fresh air requirements which can often help to alleviate IAQ problems at these types of facilities.
To learn more about VOETS and their indoor environmental quality or occupational, health, and safety testing and consulting services, please visit www.VOETS.nyc, email michael@VOETS.nyc, or call (212) 860-7450.