TO CLOSE

Captain Stan Ziegler of the County of Ventura Fire Department explains what happened when swimmers were exposed to pool chemicals.
Ventura County Star

Stock Photo(Photo: Getty Images)

Twelve children and seven adults were taken to hospital Wednesday night after being exposed to the pool's chemical fumes in a pool in California.

Chlorine intoxication was right for several people shortly after 18 hours. at a swimming school about 45 minutes northwest of Los Angeles, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Fire captain Stan Ziegler said the fumes came from the excess chlorine pumped into the pool after residues had been left in the chemical dispenser.

Officials said 19 people were affected. Seven need immediate transportation to a hospital, while the remaining 12 suffered minor or moderate injuries, but were also taken to hospitals, authorities said.

Ziegler said all people exposed to fumes should recover completely.

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Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools to eliminate harmful bacteria. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to dangerous concentrations of the chemical can cause blurred vision; burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin; a burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes cough; chest tightness; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath fluid in the lungs can be delayed for a few hours; nausea and vomiting; watery eyes; and wheezing.

According to the CDC, there is no antidote to chlorine exposure and the treatment involves supportive care such as inhaled respiratory treatments.

Difficulty breathing was one of the initial symptoms reported at the scene. Subsequently, Ziegler called the medical problems "various conditions" resulting from an exhibition.

The Daland Swimming School, which offers swimming lessons to people of all ages, will be closed Thursday for equipment checks, authorities said.

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