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Reactive airways dysfunction and systemic complaints after mass exposure to bromine
1Pediatric Environmental Health Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Adolescents experienced bromine poisoning from a motel swimming pool with excess sanitizing chemicals. Symptoms included rashes, respiratory issues, and fatigue, with some cases persisting long-term.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Children can be susceptible to mass poisoning events from common environmental contaminants.
- Accidental exposures often involve widely used chemicals that are generally considered safe.
Observation:
- A sports team visiting a community for an event experienced chemical exposure at a local motel.
- Excessive use of bromine-based sanitizing agents and hydrochloric acid in the motel's swimming pool was identified as the likely source.
- Pool water samples revealed bromine levels significantly exceeding the ideal concentration.
Findings:
- At least 17 adolescents presented with symptoms consistent with bromine toxicity.
- Observed symptoms included skin rashes, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, bronchospasm, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and myalgias.
- While most recovered quickly, some individuals experienced prolonged or recurring symptoms for weeks to months.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for acute and chronic health effects from improperly managed recreational water chemicals.
- Underscores the importance of monitoring and controlling chemical levels in public swimming pools to prevent mass poisoning incidents.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt medical evaluation and follow-up for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms after environmental exposures.