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NBC News reported that ambulances took about 26 people to hospitals, and about two dozen others sought treatment themselves, following a sudden release of chlorine gas on Wednesday, June 5 at Pleasant Groves Veterans Pool, 36 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah.  

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that exposure to chlorine gas can cause difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, which can appear immediately if high concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled, or may be delayed if the inhaled concentrations are low. Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) may also appear either immediately or within a few hours, along with nausea and/or vomiting.

KST (Fox) said the Utah swimmers who were exposed to the poisonous gas, not only suffered breathing problems, coughing, bloody noses, nausea, and vomiting, but some also experienced a loss of consciousness. American Fork Hospital emergency room doctor Nathan Miller told KSL-TV that some of the patients he treated could have chronic respiratory issues.

In 2004, Arthur J. Williams, MD, a researcher from the Sport Science Institute of South Africa, said, “We've long suspected that chlorine has an adverse effect on the respiratory health of swimmers. Now we know the likelihood increases significantly with the concentration of chlorine.”

The Florida Department of Health, which regulates public swimming pools, says,

“Any change resulting in the operation of the pool in a manner unsanitary or dangerous to public health or safety shall subject the state operating permit to suspension or revocation. Failure to comply with any of the requirements of these rules shall constitute a public nuisance dangerous to health.”

“This type of accident may be rare. However, it is a reminder that when accidents happen, swimming accident victims have rights, and pool owners have responsibilities. Those injured may be entitled to compensation for such things as pain and suffering, present and future medical bills, present and future lost wages, and the enjoyment of life,” said Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

“Should you or a loved one be injured as the result of the negligence of another, please contact our experienced legal team. We are ready to assist you 24/7,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Swimming Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.