92001E0327

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0327/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Chlorine in swimming pools

Press reports based on laboratory research carried out by the University of Louvain have caused widespread consternation, since this research has found that chlorine used to purify water causes severe lung problems among children under nine years of age.

Is the Commission aware of the results of this research and, if so, what are its views on the matter?

What measures does it intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2001)

The study mentioned by the Honourable Member was carried out by the University of Louvain in order to assess the effects of atmospheric pollution on the pulmonary health of children, comparing children living in urban areas and children living in rural areas of Belgium. The study reports, among other findings, a cause-effect relation between frequenting indoor swimming pools as part of school sporting/recreational activities and compromised pulmonary health. Although no specific pathologies were identified, the health status of the lungs of the examined children was found to have decreased lung protective barrier function and being more prone to develop asthmatic type of allergic reactions. The authors postulated that a possible reason for their observations might be the inadequate ventilation of the indoor swimming pools involved in the study. The poor ventilation of the pools would have allowed for the accumulation in the air and subsequent inhalation by children of chlorine-derived toxic chemical species (hypochlorite and chloramines).

The results of this study are hardly surprising given the toxicity profiles of chlorine and its derivatives. In fact, effects similar to those reported in the study have been reported in the past following prolonged exposure to chlorine and its derivatives under closed or poorly ventilated conditions. These toxic gases are normally formed in all use situations where chlorine or hypochlorite (bleach) is used to sanitise and disinfect water bodies (drinking water, swimming pools, toilets, etc.) that are likely to contain organic matter. In use situations conducted outdoors or under ventilation

these gases are diluted to background air levels. For this reason, most commercially available chlorine or hypochlorite solutions carry warning labels cautioning the user to utilise these products under ventilation.

On the other hand, the possible health risks related to the use of chlorine in swimming pools must be weighted against its health benefits as the most effective means to sanitise and disinfect.

In light of this study and the knowledge of the health risks of chlorine, the Commission considers that proper ventilation of indoor swimming pools remains the most appropriate means to prevent the risks in question. The need for proper ventilation is well known by the competent authorities of the Member States, which are responsible in the first instance for health and hygiene measures related to the local specific conditions of this type of installations.