In reference to your story 'Quality of public pools denounced' (South China Morning Post, July 19), the public has from time to time read about the hazards of chlorination.
Chlorine gas is a poisonous and highly caustic chemical. Its chemical compound residues (chloramines) in water are well known for many unpleasant and harmful side effects such as irritation to eyes, respiratory tract and skin; loss of hair lustre and even a possible cause of baldness.
Chlorine is used as pool-water disinfectant because of its effectiveness.
Accidents from the escape of chlorine fumes can occur to pool maintenance personnel in handling organic and inorganic chlorine.
The carcinogenic potential of trihalomethanes (formed by the reaction of chlorine with organic compounds in water) to cause bladder and colonic cancer to those at risk, such as people with poor health, on special drug therapy and Aids sufferers, is well documented.
Because of these, our municipal councils have introduced the complementary ozone technology to reduce chlorine consumption by public pools since 1994.