Association between exposure to airborne trichloramine and health effects in indoor swimming pool workers

Type de document

Études primaires

Année de publication

2024

Langue

Anglais

Titre de la revue

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

Première page

593

Dernière page

604

Résumé

Objective: The main objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the association between trichloramine (TCA) exposure and respiratory health effects in swimming pool workers. Methodology: In this study, air sampling was performed for TCA concentrations at fixed locations (static measurements) and on individual workers (personal measurements) in six indoor public swimming pools during periods of high swimmer attendance over the winter school break. Health effects were evaluated using questionnaires and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) tests performed before and after the working day. Results: In these swimming pools, the environmental TCA concentration ranged from 0.11 to 0.88 mg/m. Worker exposure ranged from 0.05 to 0.72 mg/m for personal measurements. Furthermore, in each swimming pool, the average worker exposure to TCA exceeded the recommended occupational exposure limit of 0.35 mg/m. Personal TCA measurements were consistently lower than static measurements performed around the pool, with a reduction ranging from 21% to 49%. This can be explained by the time that the workers spend in the pool area, office, and break room. The most common respiratory health effects self-reported by the workers were coughing, shortness of breath, and sneezing with prevalence rates of 38%, 37%, and 35%, respectively. This study demonstrated an association between TCA exposure and eye irritation. Analysis of the FENO tests revealed that individuals with preexisting asthma or allergies exhibited sustained FENO elevation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that occupational exposure to TCA in indoor swimming pools is a matter of concern. Implementing and improving workplace safety measures is crucial for safeguarding the respiratory health of swimming pool workers. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society. All rights reserved.

Mots-clés

Piscine, Swimming pool, Air intérieur, Indoor air, Évaluation de l'exposition, Exposure evaluation, Chlore et ses composés, Chlorine and compounds, Affection respiratoire, Respiratory disease, Trichloramine

Numéro de projet IRSST

2015-00102

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