Hygiene & Health

In a nutshell… To honor deceased Water Quality & Health Council (WQHC) member Jerod M. Loeb, PhD, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) recently made a monetary donation to the organization Angels of America’s Fallen. “Angels” provides free healthy activities, such as swimming lessons, to the children of America’s fallen first-responders and military. This article describes... Read More »

In a nutshell… More families may be investing in backyard pools in the summer of COVID-19 (coronavirus) to avoid potential infection risks at public pools. This article discusses the importance of maintaining proper pool water chemistry and ensuring good swimmer hygiene in backyard swimming pools.   If recent pool sales are an accurate indicator, many... Read More »

In a nutshell… Poor air quality in indoor swimming pool facilities can cause breathing problems for swimmers and others. The problem is not due to “too much chlorine” but mainly to chemical reactions between chlorine and substances brought into the water by swimmers. A team of researchers is developing a model of the factors that... Read More »

A Florida dad recently dove into a backyard pool, clearing a 4-foot high safety fence in his path to save his 1-year-old son from drowning. The boy had wandered inside a pool fence, which unfortunately did not completely surround the pool. In an instant the boy had fallen into the water. News and video of that heroic rescue were broadcast widely, including the dad’s honest admission that the fence configuration was not completely secure. Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death of children of ages 1 – 4, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and shockingly, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating “layers of protection” to keep toddlers safe around pools. These include: secure pool fencing; alarms on pools, doors, and gates; pool covers; window guards for windows that face the pool; designated “Water Watchers” to pay constant attention to children in the water; life jackets; CPR training for parents, caregivers, and pool owners; and swimming lessons. ... Read More »

Americans will soon head to the pool as Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer swim season fun, but a new survey finds that many knowingly contribute to making pools dirty – a practice that can lead to bad pool chemistry for everyone in the water. The survey found that more than half of... Read More »

Swimming is a popular form of exercise across all age groups, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-round pool swimming is generally accessible and affordable at a variety of public and private facilities. Similarly, hot tubs and spas are enjoyable, therapeutic features, and waterparks are a fun destination for families with young children. But what is your risk of contracting a waterborne illness in these treated recreational water facilities? How can you help prevent getting sick? Let’s dive into the data.... Read More »

Swimming in the pool is one of the healthiest and most fun-filled summertime activities available to children. Safe swimming depends on several factors, including proper swimming instruction, lifeguard supervision, and pool water quality management. Few people realize, however, that safe pool swimming also depends on swimmers’ hygiene. The new, downloadable Healthy Swimming Education & Activity... Read More »