Coseley swimming pool gas leak was "20 minutes" from disaster
Apr 9 2009 by Jasbir Authi, Birmingham Mail
“I then saw children coming out in just their trunks and silver foil around them. Fire engines came and the children were there for a long time being treated.”
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Daniel Gore, who led the ambulance service response, said: “There appears to have been a release of a chlorine based chemical at the swimming pool.
“We have treated a total of 48 people; many of them were children, one of whom was as young as eight. They were displaying symptoms of watering eyes, difficulty in breathing and throat and nose irritation.
“A number of the casualties had come out of the building in their swimming costumes. They were given thermal blankets to keep warm.
“A further 16 were treated and discharged at the scene by the doctors. Approximately half were kept at the scene until their parents could come and collect them.”
People living within 400m of the swimming pool were also advised to keep all windows and doors closed while the incident was being dealt with.
Last month, Dudley Council agreed to close the pool in the summer after recent safety checks showed repairs to the building, which first opened in 1963, would cost in excess of £2 million.
A spokesman for the Health Protection Agency said: “Minor exposures to chlorine may include irritation of the nose and throat and stinging or redness in the eyes.
“More substantial exposure may cause coughing or breathing difficulties. Those with a chest condition such as asthma or emphysema may be more sensitive to the effects of chlorine.
“Less commonly, symptoms may not occur immediately but after some hours.
“Therefore, exposed individuals who have not developed symptoms or who have recovered from initially mild symptoms, should be told to seek medical advice if they develop respiratory problems at any time over the next 48 hours.”
It is thought many people may have left the swimming pool before the symptoms started.
If they develop symptoms the advice is to remove affected clothing, shower the affected area, put clean clothes on and go outside and breathe fresh air.
If symptoms persist contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or your GP.
