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Plasma chloroform concentrations in swimmers using indoor swimming pools
G Aggazzotti1, G Fantuzzi, P L Tartoni
1Hygiene Institute, University of Modena, Italy.
Archives of Environmental Health
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Swimmers exposed to chloroform (CHCl3) in indoor pools had higher plasma levels. Exposure correlated with pool water, air concentrations, swimmer numbers, and time spent swimming.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Indoor swimming pools can be sources of disinfection byproducts.
- Chloroform (CHCl3) is a common disinfection byproduct found in chlorinated water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess chloroform exposure in swimmers and pool visitors.
- To identify factors influencing plasma chloroform levels in indoor pool environments.
Main Methods:
- Plasma chloroform levels were measured in 127 pool attendees and 40 non-exposed individuals.
- Head-space gas chromatography was used for chloroform analysis.
- Correlation and covariance analyses were performed to identify influencing factors.
Main Results:
- All 127 subjects exposed at pools had detectable plasma chloroform (median 7.5 nmol/l).
- Competitive swimmers showed significantly higher plasma CHCl3 than non-competitive swimmers and visitors.
- Plasma CHCl3 levels correlated with water/air CHCl3 concentrations, number of swimmers, and time spent swimming.
Conclusions:
- Indoor swimming pool environments lead to measurable chloroform exposure in attendees.
- Exposure levels are influenced by environmental concentrations, pool occupancy, duration of stay, and activity intensity.
- Agonistic swimmers face higher exposure risks due to intense physical activity and potentially longer exposure durations.