In Warsaw, an excess of chlorine in a swimming pool led to the poisoning of twenty-one people, who were subsequently hospitalized, while two others refused transport.
This incident occurred at the Polonez swimming pool in northwest Warsaw.
According to Jacek Wisniewski from the Warsaw Police Department, “Officers working at the scene detained three men—employees responsible for the pool’s maintenance—in connection with the incident.” As of Saturday morning, four adults and four children remained under observation in the hospital.
Firefighters from a specialized chemical unit collected water samples for testing. Unofficial sources reported that on Friday evening, the chlorine levels in the pool were excessively high—up to ten times the permissible limit at the bottom of the pool and more than three times the limit at the surface.
The management of the Polonez swimming pool has been unable to explain how such a high concentration of chlorine entered the water. Police have begun questioning the pool staff responsible for its technical maintenance.
Chlorine poisoning can cause irritation of the respiratory and digestive tracts, as well as skin damage, ranging from irritation to severe burns. Patients with chronic lung and bronchial conditions are particularly at risk.
