IDENTIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY
Background: • With funding and support from the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, a team of engineers: Steve Biko Sandoe, Chris S. Toenah and Joseph Van Harmon of the Environmental Engineering Unit of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health along with Mr. Joseph Wiah from the communication Division of NPHIL, conducted a seven (7) day identification assessment of public swimming pools in Montserrado County.
• The exercise ran from November 23, 2017 to December 1, 2017. The team divided Montserrado County into five (5) health districts and navigated to major hotels, resorts, residences, beaches and recreation centers by means of google earth and google maps.
Goal: • To identify and assess all public swimming pools operating in Montserrado County for regular monitoring and surveillance keeping.
OBJECTIVES: • To develop a database for all public swimming pools in Liberia for regular monitoring and inspection purposes. • To ascertain water quality analysis of public swimming pools • To evaluate available water treatment methods at public swimming pools • To evaluate available safety measures at public swimming pools. • To evaluate the sanitary conditions of public swimming pools
Swimming Pools and Health Risks • Despite attempts to disinfect the pool, some pathogens may still lurk in the water. • A pool full of humans is liable to contain all sorts of pathogens. • Water may be tainted by other sources – organic material derived from decaying leaves, bird droppings, fungi-infested rainwater, or dead organisms.
wide range of dangerous pathogens, including: • E. coli, Rotavirus, Salmonella, and Shigella (each of which may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and, in some individuals, serious illness) • Adenoviruses (which are linked with gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, eye infections, and other diseases) • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (which can cause a variety of diseases, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections)
Other PH issues: • Overchlorination Several studies have linked swimming pool chlorine to a greater risk of asthma and other allergies, the erosion of tooth enamel, and possibly even certain forms of cancer. Chlorine + humans = harmful disinfectant by-products Humans = Perspiration, urine, saliva, hair, skin particles, feces • Drowning remains the clearest danger when venturing out to the pool, especially for children from the ages of 1 to 4. • Verrucas are warts that exist on the feet. They are very prone to spreading in swimming pools. They are caused by a viral infection and spread via direct contact with the skin. • Slipping
• METHODOLOGY: • Navigation to public facilities by Google earth and Google map • Facility entry • Brief interview with facilities management to obtain accurate address and contact information as well as records search and review. • Performing of visual site inspection • Taking of GPS coordinates • Photograph
ASSESSMENT FINDINGS: • A total of 31 public swimming pools have been identified and assessed. Ø Common Issues Identified: • Sanitary Standard Certificate for pool operations is NOT available • Water Quality analysis records NOT available. • Pools depth are NOT clearly marked or indicated. • Lifeguard services for emergency situation are NOT available. • Well-secured pool enclosures are NOT available.
Summary of findings N=31
No Depth Markings
Pool enclosure not available
Other Findings: • Poor sanitary condition of pool surroundings. • Existence of potential sources of pool water contaminants ( fuel storage, overhanging roofs, animal access). • Existence of setbacks (exposed electrical wires, overhanging roofs). • Floor surfaces broken and slippery. • Skimmer gutters and gratings contained algae slime.
Pool water unclear
Poor sanitary condition Broken floor surfaces
Electrical wires exposed to pool users.
Platform built over pool for party celebrations
Sign-board informing pool users that: Pool Management is NOT responsible for injuries
Way forward § Continuation of Identification & mapping Exercise. § Regular Monitoring of 31 Public Swimming Pools Identified. § Write a detailed guideline and policy on Public swimming pools construction and operation in Liberia.
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