Parsippany Pool Accident Calls Chlorine Use Into Question

PARSIPPANY, NJ - After a hazardous material accident at the Glacier Hills Association Pool, where more than two dozen people were exposed to a chemical mixture of chlorine and muriatic acid, sending five to the hospital, a New Jersey environmental group is calling for further investigation.

“Our hearts and best wishes go out to the children and families that have been impacted by a chemical spill in Parsippany. We hope everyone is okay and makes a full and speedy recovery," said Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club Jeff Tittel. "This is a serious incident that must be investigated. Using too many chemicals for pools has been proved to be harmful. We need to stop using these chemicals like chlorine and transition to safer alternatives. Methods like adding salt water to pools, ozonators, bromide, BHMP and many others will do the same job to protect water quality without being hazardous or used improperly."

Also called “triatomic oxygen,” ozone (O3) occurs naturally in the environment. This compound forms when a regular, two-atom molecule of oxygen (O2) combines with a free atom of oxygen. Thus, ozone is a special form of oxygen composed of three atoms, vs. the usual two. Ozone is the sweet, fresh smell you often notice when the rain clears, and it’s what makes the outdoor air have that kind of bright, shiny appearance when the sun comes out. Salt water pools are also becoming popular because they are gentler on our skin, have no harsh chlorine smell, cost less to maintain, and save freshwater.

“We need to phase out the use of chlorine and use safer alternatives. New Jersey needs to start requiring safer cleaning alternatives such as ozonators, salt water, bromine, BHMP, peroxide, and more. Ozonation for example kills the bacteria in pools while other states are mandating pools to use saltwater because it kills the algae and saves using freshwater. A non-toxic alternative, hydrogen peroxide also keeps pools clean without unpleasant odors. Bromine is just as effective as chlorine but has little smell, kills bacteria effectively, and doesn’t have to be added as frequently,” said Tittel.

Four children and one adult received treatment for respiratory distress after transport to the Morristown Medical Center, while police reported others were treated at the pool.

“During COVID, it is critically important that public pools are clean, but pool owners need to use safer alternatives. Using chlorine, as we have seen, can be dangerous and are explosive. That is why, especially when our public health at this time is at most risk, that alternative and safer cleaning measures be taken. Using natural alternatives to clean pools can help avoid chlorine- related incidents such as rashes, boils, chemical burns, and respiratory conditions,” said Tittel. “As more and more people use pools during the hot days of summer, it’s critical that they are safely cleaned. The incident in Parsippany shows how important it is to use safe chemicals. We need to make sure pools are clean, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.”

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