User’s exposure to indoor air contaminants in European swimming pools

The aim of this study was to summarize the extent of occupants’s exposure to indoor air contaminants and the means of reducing harmful exposure in European swimming pools. Google Scholar and PubMed were used to search the literature. Analysis of the literature revealed that disinfection byproducts (DBP) such as chloroform (CHCl3) and trichloramine (NCl3) are the contaminants of primary concern in indoor chlorinated swimming pools. The means of reducing human exposure to indoor contaminants in swimming-pool facilities include carefully regulating chlorine and temperature levels in indoor swimming pools, properly ventilated pools and changing room, and good personal hygiene on the part of the people using the pools. Due to sensitive user groups at the pools, such as children, as well as the increased respiratory rate and airflow velocity among all active people at pools, strict air-quality guidelines are required for DBPs.