Dynamics of gas‐phase trichloramine (NCl<sub>3</sub>) in chlorinated, indoor swimming pool facilities: Fid-Bau Portal

Dynamics of gas‐phase trichloramine (NCl₃) in chlorinated, indoor swimming pool facilities

Weng, S.‐C. / Weaver, W. A. / Zare Afifi, M. / Blatchley, T. N. / Cramer, J. S. / Chen, J. / Blatchley, E. R. III

Abstract Trichloramine (NCl₃) is recognized as an irritant of the human respiratory system and other tissues. Processes that lead to volatilization from the liquid phase allow for human exposure to gas‐phase NCl₃ in swimming pool settings. The dynamics of these processes are not well defined. A N,N‐diethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine/potassium iodide (DPD/KI)‐based wet‐chemistry method for measuring gas‐phase NCl₃ concentration was verified and applied in chlorinated, indoor swimming pool facilities. Other gas‐phase oxidants in the air of indoor pools provided interference of 15% or less. The DPD/KI method was applied for the measurement of gas‐phase NCl₃ in four chlorinated, indoor swimming pool facilities. All results showed a correlation between bather loading and gas‐phase NCl₃ concentration. The nature of swimmer activities also influenced air quality, presumably because of the effects of these activities on mixing near the gas–liquid interface.

The activities of swimmers promote transfer of volatile compounds from water to the surrounding air. For chlorinated, indoor pool facilities, this can lead to exposure to gas‐phase chemicals that can cause irritation of the respiratory system and other tissues. The focus of this study was on NCl₃, a common disinfection by‐product (DBP) in chlorinated pools. However, the conditions that promote NCl₃ transfer are likely to promote transfer of other volatile chemicals from water to air. As such, it is possible that other DBPs formed in pools may also contribute to diminished air quality.