EXPOSURE TO CHLORAMINES IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS

Specific sampling and analytical methods were developed to assess the concentration of chloramines in the atmosphere of indoor swimming pool s because swimming instructors had complained of irritation (mainly ey e and lung). The sampling method is based upon the reduction of chlora mines to chlorides which are then analysed by ion chromatography. The chloramine concentration in the atmosphere of 13 swimming pools (inclu ding five recreational centres and one re-education centre) was measur ed, showing that the concentrations were higher in the recreational ce ntres. The influence of slides, bubbling baths, waves and other activi ties were demonstrated. A correlation was made between the level of po llutants and the complaints registered, leading to the proposal of a ' comfort' limit value.