Swimming Pool Environments and Asthma Exacerbation

Abstract

P-089 Aim: To test the hypothesis that disinfection by-products (DBPs) at concentrations found in indoor swimming pool environments act as respiratory irritants and thereby exacerbate respiratory diseases, including asthma. Introduction: Swimming is often promoted as a beneficial physical activity for people with asthma. However, it remains unclear which swimming environments are optimal for people with asthma and which may be associated with adverse health effects. In particular, concerns have been raised that sustained periods of pool use may induce mild eosinophilic airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Recent research has also indicated that the prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness among competitive swimmers is greater than sedentary subjects of the same age, and occupational exposure to swimming pool environments has been associated with an increased risk of developing eye, nasal and throat irritation. Methods: To assess respiratory health affects from exposure to swimming pool DBPs, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on two at-risk populations (a) a childhood population with an existing diagnosis of asthma and (b) an occupationally exposed group working in or around pool environments. A self-administered questionnaire relating to adverse health effects experienced in various swimming pool environments was completed by participants. Exposure and symptom histories were obtained along with additional information about risk perceptions, other relevant exposures and potential confounders (such as smoking or exposure to household smoke; other occupational exposures). Results: Preliminary analysis of the occupationally exposed group working in or around pool environments has revealed that 75% of respondents regularly experience a perceptible adverse health outcome during working hours. >70% of these respondents claimed to have experienced their tightness of the chest, wheeze and/or shortness of breath while working indoors. Furthermore, 13% of the occupational respondents documented suffering an asthma attack in their current workplace. 40% of these respondents had experienced more than one attack and their attacks were considered moderate or severe. Of the respondents who have experienced. Discussion: This project helps to elucidate the effect of variable swimming environments on people with asthma as well as those working in a swimming pool environment. Full results from both at-risk populations, and the pool environments which are most commonly associated with respiratory symptoms, will be presented.