Swimming pool chemicals

Press, 20 February 1980, Page 22

Swimming pool chemicals

Sir, — When will authorities enforce adequate labelling of swimming pool chemicals? In 1972-74 I several times used the shock-dosing chlorine chemical HTC after adding water to the chemical. A pathologist explained that the chemical should be added to a full bucket of water, as extremely toxic gas is given off when mixed the wrong way. The HTC label warned against swallowing the granules, but said nothing about the dangers of inhaling the gas. This week I bought HTH for the same purpose, and was told it is the same as HTC. The label made no mention of the dangers of either swallowing or inhaling the chemical; the label came unstuck after only - two days.: The public should be clearly told how. to avoid the ill-effects of the improper use of chlorine. — Yours, etc.,

M. S. STARRY. January 31, 1980.

[Dr W. A. Malpress, District Medical Officer of Health, Christchurch, replies: “The Department of Health does

not administer any legislation which controls the labelling of chlorine based swimming pool compounds such as HTH and HTC, and I am not aware of any other legislation which would impose the requirements the writer seeks. However, the concern expressed by the writer is valid and the dangers which exist when these chemicals are misused are acknowledged; I have therefore written to my head office drawing this issue to their attention and asking for their comment.”]