Phoenix doctor explains how to safely use pool chemicals this summer

PHOENIX — More than 4,500 people end up in the emergency room each year due to exposure to chemicals used for pool cleaning, according to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Dr. Daniel Brooks, medical director of the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center in Phoenix, said Arizonans should avoid inhaling when opening containers full of chlorine tablets.

“It can be quite irritating to your eyes, your nose and your upper airway,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

“And you can end up with significant clinical effects, lots of pain or teary eyes and cough, especially if you have asthma or you’re fighting off some kind of viral infection.”

The CDC found that more than half of the pool chemical-related injuries occurred at a home pool, and more than a third of those affected were children.

Brooks said it’s important to keep children and pets away from cleaning products, use gloves and a mask when handling chlorine tablets and keep containers outdoors.

“When you open up a chlorine dispenser … just make sure when you open it up you’re not right over the breathing zone,” Brooks said.

“Let it air out, even for just five or 10 seconds. It’s going to dissipate incredibly quick.”

The CDC recommended showering before entering a pool, avoiding mixing chemicals together and reading cleaning product labels closely.

Going swimming? Rinse off in the shower before you get in. Dirt and sweat mixed with chlorine can cause red, itchy eyes. Keep pools and people healthy by keeping dirt and sweat out. https://t.co/JKVOFM84nU #HSSW2019 pic.twitter.com/nud6Ua6j2q

— CDC (@CDCgov) May 23, 2019

Brooks said if a person experiences any adverse effects from the chemicals, they will feel the effects within seconds of handling them.

He said it’s a good idea to call the poison center if you experience symptoms for more than a few minutes or have a pre-existing condition that may be aggravated.

“Mostly it’s going to be transient irritant effects that should go away just with time,” he said.

“Breathe fresh air, move away from the fumes if it is a gas, or if you’ve spilled something on your hand like the acid, by all means, wash it off.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report.