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Air quality testing
I attended the bootcamp and musculoskeletal disorders course this past November. It was a wonderful experience. I have a question regarding an upcoming JCAHO survey. Our consultant toured the therapy facility and asked if we have air quality testing within our pool room performed on a regular basis. We have not ever had testing done. Do you know if this is required by OSHA? I can not find anything in the literature that I have researched. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
The short answer to your question is, no, I don't believe there is an OSHA standard for indoor air quality of pools beyond the General Duty Clause of the OSHAct (see below). However, the best person to confirm that is Alison Osinski (www.alisonosinski.com). She is the expert on air and water quality problems. Here is a link (http://bit.ly/seA137) to an interesting discussion on how to address indoor air quality problems. Additionally, I have included loads of supporting info below.
OSHA: Indoor Air Quality: Frequently Asked Questions (note: this is not specific to pools)
Source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/faqs.html
Is there a test that can find an IAQ problem?
There is no single test to find an IAQ problem. Your employer should check measurements of temperature, humidity and air flow. In addition, inspection and testing of the ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems (to make sure it is working according to specifications for building use and occupancy) should be performed. A building walk-through to check for odors and look for water damage, leaks, dirt or pest droppings may be helpful. Leaks need to be eliminated. Standing water in humidifiers, air conditioning units, on roofs and in boiler pans can become contaminated with bacteria or fungi and need to be eliminated, also. In some circumstances, specific testing for radon or for asbestos may be required as part of building occupancy. For instance, in schools asbestos needs to be checked every three years and re-inspected every 6 months (under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act- AHERA).
What should my employer be doing to prevent IAQ problems?
Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the OSHAct, which requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury. The OSHAct also requires employers to obey occupational safety and health standards created under it. Employers should be reasonably aware of the possible sources of poor air quality, and they should have the resources necessary to recognize and control workplace hazards. It is also their responsibility to inform employees of the immediate dangers that are present.Specific state and local regulations may apply.
Air Standards
Source: http://www.alisonosinski.com/wp-content/pdf/pool_tip_52.pdf
Air temperature
2° - 7° F above pool water temperature
Compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55: “Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy”
Relative humidity
50 - 60% maximum
Air distribution
Air introduced from low to high, passed over the water surface
No noticeable drafts of temperature gradients
Compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62: “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”
Ventilation
0.5 cfm of outside air for each square foot of natatorium area
15 - 25 cfm for each person in the natatorium
At least 6 and preferably 8 complete air exchanges per hour
Maintain CO2 levels below 0.1% or 1,000 ppm
Percentage of fresh air introduced: Recommended minimum 40%, maximum 100% depending on usage patterns, natatorium design, and equipment installed
Air distribution Air introduced from low to high, passed over the water surface
No noticeable drafts of temperature gradients
Compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62–1989: “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”
Pressurization
Natatoriums should be positively pressured in relation to the out of doors, and negatively pressured in relation to surrounding occupied spaces. Note: Pollutants travel from positive to negative pressure areas
Chemicals in air 6″ over the pool
Chlorine 1.0 ppm maximum TWA, 0.5 ppm TLV–TWA 30 ppm IDLH
Bromine 1.0 ppm TLV–TWA 10 ppm IDLH
Ozone 0.1 ppm maximum TWA
Carbon dioxide 5,000 ppm TLV–TWA
Chloroform 10 ppm TLV –TWA
Irritants (Chloramines) & Indoor Pool Air Quality
Source: Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
Pool operators may receive complaints from swimmers and pool staff about stinging eyes, nasal irritation, or difficulty breathing after being in the water or breathing the air at swimming pools, particularly indoor pools. New research indicates that these symptoms may be an indication of poor water and indoor air quality at the pool caused by a build-up of irritants, known as chloramines, in the water and air.
Irritants in the air at swimming pools are usually the combined chlorine by-products of disinfection. These by-products are the result of chlorine binding with sweat, urine, and other waste from swimmers. As the concentration of by-products in the water increases, they move into the surrounding air as well. Breathing air loaded with irritants can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the concentration of irritants in the air and amount of time the air is breathed. The symptoms of irritant exposure in the air can range from mild symptoms, such as coughing, to severe symptoms, such as wheezing or aggravating asthma (1-5). It is also known that routine breathing of irritants may increase sensitivity to other types of irritants such as fungi and bacteria.
The buildup of these irritants in the air is partially due to poor air turnover. The poor movement of fresh air over the pool surface, combined with the use of air recycling devices to control heating costs, leads to poor air exchange. Recyclers remove the moisture from the air, but they do not necessarily take in much fresh air. This may save money on heating, but the health risks to patrons and staff associated with the excessive use of these devices outweigh the financial benefits (4). Without adequate fresh air, the recycled air flowing over the pool becomes saturated with chlorination by-products so that it can no longer absorb or pick up new by-products coming from the pool water. Because recyclers do not remove all of the by-products in the air, they allow the irritants to accumulate and reach unhealthy levels. In addition, if the air is saturated with irritants, new irritants produced in the water will stay in the pool water causing further irritation for swimmers, such as stinging or red eyes. Fresh air is important; super chlorination can be an effective way to rid the pool water of these by-products but will not work if the air is saturated with irritants and ventilation is not adequate.
The problem of poor indoor air quality can be fixed through a combination of preventive measures. Improving air movement over the pool and increasing the air turnover rate will reduce irritant levels in the air. One option is to open all of the doors and windows in the pool area or to use fans to boost airflow over the pool surface when many swimmers are using the pool. When super chlorinating, do the same. Also, ensure that the air recycling systems are bringing in enough fresh air. Adequate disinfectant levels and constant monitoring of water quality can also help reduce irritant levels by decreasing combined chlorine formation in the water. Combined chlorine levels in the water may be reduced by adding secondary disinfection systems, such as ultraviolet light or ozone. In addition, good hygiene is needed. Getting swimmers to shower before getting in the pool and promoting regular bathroom use to reduce the amount of urine in the pool will decrease the formation of irritants.
For the health of pool staff and patrons, remember that all indoor pools need adequate fresh air exchange and all pools need good water quality. This will help make all pools a healthier and more enjoyable place to play and work.
For more information on the topic:
Childhood Asthma and Environmental Exposures at Swimming Pools: State of the Science and Research Recommendations Adobe PDF file [PDF - 252 kb]
ASHRAE 1083TRP - Chemical Offgassing from Indoor Swimming Pools
References
Respiratory and Ocular Symptoms Among Employees of a Hotel Indoor Waterpark Resort --- Ohio, 2007. MMWR, February 6, 2009; 58(4):81-85. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5804a3.htm
Ocular and Respiratory Illness Associated with an Indoor Swimming Pool --- Nebraska, 2006. MMWR, September 14, 2007; 56(36):929-932. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5636a1.htm
Bowen A, Kile J, Austin C, Otto C, Blount B, Kazerouni N, Wong H-N, Mainzer H, Mott J, Beach MJ, Fry AM. Outbreaks of short-incubation illness following exposure to indoor swimming pools. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2007; 115: 267-271.
Emanuel BP. The Relationship Between Pool Water Quality and Ventilation. Environmental Health, 1998; 2: 17-20.
Ratner J, Griffiths T. Exercise-Induced Asthma and Indoor Swimming Pools. Parks and Recreation. 1995; 7: 46-51.
OSHA: Indoor Air Quality: Frequently Asked Questions (note: this is not specific to pools)
Source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/faqs.html
Is there a test that can find an IAQ problem?
There is no single test to find an IAQ problem. Your employer should check measurements of temperature, humidity and air flow. In addition, inspection and testing of the ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems (to make sure it is working according to specifications for building use and occupancy) should be performed. A building walk-through to check for odors and look for water damage, leaks, dirt or pest droppings may be helpful. Leaks need to be eliminated. Standing water in humidifiers, air conditioning units, on roofs and in boiler pans can become contaminated with bacteria or fungi and need to be eliminated, also. In some circumstances, specific testing for radon or for asbestos may be required as part of building occupancy. For instance, in schools asbestos needs to be checked every three years and re-inspected every 6 months (under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act- AHERA).
What should my employer be doing to prevent IAQ problems?
Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the OSHAct, which requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury. The OSHAct also requires employers to obey occupational safety and health standards created under it. Employers should be reasonably aware of the possible sources of poor air quality, and they should have the resources necessary to recognize and control workplace hazards. It is also their responsibility to inform employees of the immediate dangers that are present.Specific state and local regulations may apply.
Air Standards
Source: http://www.alisonosinski.com/wp-content/pdf/pool_tip_52.pdf
Air temperature
2° - 7° F above pool water temperature
Compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55: “Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy”
Relative humidity
50 - 60% maximum
Air distribution
Air introduced from low to high, passed over the water surface
No noticeable drafts of temperature gradients
Compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62: “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”
Ventilation
0.5 cfm of outside air for each square foot of natatorium area
15 - 25 cfm for each person in the natatorium
At least 6 and preferably 8 complete air exchanges per hour
Maintain CO2 levels below 0.1% or 1,000 ppm
Percentage of fresh air introduced: Recommended minimum 40%, maximum 100% depending on usage patterns, natatorium design, and equipment installed
Air distribution Air introduced from low to high, passed over the water surface
No noticeable drafts of temperature gradients
Compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62–1989: “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”
Pressurization
Natatoriums should be positively pressured in relation to the out of doors, and negatively pressured in relation to surrounding occupied spaces. Note: Pollutants travel from positive to negative pressure areas
Chemicals in air 6″ over the pool
Chlorine 1.0 ppm maximum TWA, 0.5 ppm TLV–TWA 30 ppm IDLH
Bromine 1.0 ppm TLV–TWA 10 ppm IDLH
Ozone 0.1 ppm maximum TWA
Carbon dioxide 5,000 ppm TLV–TWA
Chloroform 10 ppm TLV –TWA
Irritants (Chloramines) & Indoor Pool Air Quality
Source: Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
Pool operators may receive complaints from swimmers and pool staff about stinging eyes, nasal irritation, or difficulty breathing after being in the water or breathing the air at swimming pools, particularly indoor pools. New research indicates that these symptoms may be an indication of poor water and indoor air quality at the pool caused by a build-up of irritants, known as chloramines, in the water and air.
Irritants in the air at swimming pools are usually the combined chlorine by-products of disinfection. These by-products are the result of chlorine binding with sweat, urine, and other waste from swimmers. As the concentration of by-products in the water increases, they move into the surrounding air as well. Breathing air loaded with irritants can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the concentration of irritants in the air and amount of time the air is breathed. The symptoms of irritant exposure in the air can range from mild symptoms, such as coughing, to severe symptoms, such as wheezing or aggravating asthma (1-5). It is also known that routine breathing of irritants may increase sensitivity to other types of irritants such as fungi and bacteria.
The buildup of these irritants in the air is partially due to poor air turnover. The poor movement of fresh air over the pool surface, combined with the use of air recycling devices to control heating costs, leads to poor air exchange. Recyclers remove the moisture from the air, but they do not necessarily take in much fresh air. This may save money on heating, but the health risks to patrons and staff associated with the excessive use of these devices outweigh the financial benefits (4). Without adequate fresh air, the recycled air flowing over the pool becomes saturated with chlorination by-products so that it can no longer absorb or pick up new by-products coming from the pool water. Because recyclers do not remove all of the by-products in the air, they allow the irritants to accumulate and reach unhealthy levels. In addition, if the air is saturated with irritants, new irritants produced in the water will stay in the pool water causing further irritation for swimmers, such as stinging or red eyes. Fresh air is important; super chlorination can be an effective way to rid the pool water of these by-products but will not work if the air is saturated with irritants and ventilation is not adequate.
The problem of poor indoor air quality can be fixed through a combination of preventive measures. Improving air movement over the pool and increasing the air turnover rate will reduce irritant levels in the air. One option is to open all of the doors and windows in the pool area or to use fans to boost airflow over the pool surface when many swimmers are using the pool. When super chlorinating, do the same. Also, ensure that the air recycling systems are bringing in enough fresh air. Adequate disinfectant levels and constant monitoring of water quality can also help reduce irritant levels by decreasing combined chlorine formation in the water. Combined chlorine levels in the water may be reduced by adding secondary disinfection systems, such as ultraviolet light or ozone. In addition, good hygiene is needed. Getting swimmers to shower before getting in the pool and promoting regular bathroom use to reduce the amount of urine in the pool will decrease the formation of irritants.
For the health of pool staff and patrons, remember that all indoor pools need adequate fresh air exchange and all pools need good water quality. This will help make all pools a healthier and more enjoyable place to play and work.
For more information on the topic:
Childhood Asthma and Environmental Exposures at Swimming Pools: State of the Science and Research Recommendations Adobe PDF file [PDF - 252 kb]
ASHRAE 1083TRP - Chemical Offgassing from Indoor Swimming Pools
References
Respiratory and Ocular Symptoms Among Employees of a Hotel Indoor Waterpark Resort --- Ohio, 2007. MMWR, February 6, 2009; 58(4):81-85. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5804a3.htm
Ocular and Respiratory Illness Associated with an Indoor Swimming Pool --- Nebraska, 2006. MMWR, September 14, 2007; 56(36):929-932. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5636a1.htm
Bowen A, Kile J, Austin C, Otto C, Blount B, Kazerouni N, Wong H-N, Mainzer H, Mott J, Beach MJ, Fry AM. Outbreaks of short-incubation illness following exposure to indoor swimming pools. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2007; 115: 267-271.
Emanuel BP. The Relationship Between Pool Water Quality and Ventilation. Environmental Health, 1998; 2: 17-20.
Ratner J, Griffiths T. Exercise-Induced Asthma and Indoor Swimming Pools. Parks and Recreation. 1995; 7: 46-51.