WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1285/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Chlorine content of water in swimming pools
Date: 1997-04-11
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: chlorine, decontamination, occupational health, occupational safety, plumbing equipment, product safety, public health, sports facilities, water, water treatment













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91997E1285

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1285/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Chlorine content of water in swimming pools  


Official Journal C 373 , 09/12/1997 P. 0100 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1285/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (11 April 1997)Subject: Chlorine content of water in swimming pools1. How does the Commission asssess the health risk posed by trihalogenmethane - (THM) - levels in swimming pools?2. When does it intend to introduce common limit values at EU level for the chlorine content of swimming pools, and how high will these limit values be set?3. How does it intend to combat the health risk facing the staff of swimming pools due to chloroform pollution at the surface of water in swimming pools?4. How does it view the use of anti-mould products based on chlorine to remove mould from walls?Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1997)1. The disinfection of water supplies by chlorination offers substantial benefits to human health. Untreated raw water, in particular surface waters, can contain a large number of organic compounds which will react withchlorine to form (volatile) halogenated compounds, such as trihalomethane (THM). In experimental animal studies exposure to THM by inhalation was suspected to be carcinogenic. However, according to the monograph No 52 on the 'Evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, chlorination by-products and some other halogenated compounds' published by the International agency for research on cancer, no direct observations of carcinogenic effects in human population could be made. The Commission is not aware of peer-reviewed studies which contest this assessment.2. The Commission does not intend to propose harmonised standards for the chlorination of bathing waters in swimming pools.3. Workers working in swimming pool establishments are covered by the measures provided by the Community legislation on health and safety at work, such as the Council Directives 80/1107/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work ((OJ L 327, 3.12.1980. )) and 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work ((OJ L 183, 29.6.1989. )). These lay down minimum requirements under Article 118A EC Treaty which are to be applied in the workplace.4. The most common anti-mould products contain sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) solutions. The risks associated with these products are due to chlorine release in cases where products are accidentally mixed with acidic or other cleaning products. The gases formed are irritant to the respiratory system. The packages are labelled according to Community legislation giving information about this effect. The Commission is presently examining possibilities to improve further the safety of these products.