We describe the clinical course of two patients who developed acute pn
eumonitis followed by reactive airways dysfunction syndrome after bath
ing in a hot tub. Additional findings were present and suggested that
exposure to a corrosive agent was responsible. Bromine and hydrobromic
acid generated from a widely used water disinfectant were implicated
as the underlying cause. Physicians should be alert to the possibility
that such exposures may initiate or exacerbate inflammatory pulmonary
disease.