Sunglasses and UV Protection

Q: Are sunglasses an important part of my sun protection plan?

A: Yes. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Q: What type of sunglasses best protects my eyes from UV rays?

A: Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. The majority of sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Sunscreen FAQ's

Q: Does it matter what kind of sunscreen I use?

A: Sunscreens come in a variety of forms such as lotions, gels, and sprays, so there are plenty of different options. There are also sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as the scalp, sensitive skin, and for use on babies. Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, be sure that you use one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that it offers at least SPF 15.

Q: What does a sunscreen's SPF rating mean?

A: Sunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. As a rule of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Q: Do sunscreens need to be reapplied during the course of a day?

A: You should follow the manufacturer's directions regarding reapplication or you risk not getting the protection that you might think you are getting. Though recently developed sunscreens are more resistant to loss through sweating and getting wet than previous sunscreens were, you should still reapply frequently, especially during peak sun hours or after swimming or sweating.

Q: How do sunscreens work?

A: Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays. Such products contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. Sunscreens help prevent problems related to sun exposure, such as aging skin and precancerous growths.

Keep in mind that sunscreen is not meant to allow you to spend more time in the sun than you would otherwise. That's why it is important to complement sunscreen use with other sun protection options: cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade.

Q: Some cosmetic products claim to protect you from UV rays. Can they?

A: There are cosmetics and lip protectors that contain some of the same protective chemicals used by sunscreens on the market. However, not all of these products meet the standard of having at least SPF 15, and therefore do not offer sufficient protection by themselves.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

What is the UV Index?

The UV Index was developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. It provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV rays and indicates the degree of caution you should take when working, playing, or exercising outdoors.

The UV Index predicts exposure levels on a 0-10+ scale, where 0 indicates a low risk of overexposure and 10+ means a very high risk of overexposure. Calculated on a next-day basis for dozens of cities across the U.S., the UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground.

The level of danger calculated for the basic categories of the index are for a person with Type II skin. For a person with type II skin, for example, an Index value of 5 or 6 represents a moderate possibility of UV overexposure.

More information about the UV Index is available at the EPA Web site: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html. You can also call the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hotline at 1-800-296-1996 for more information on the UV Index.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

How can I protect myself from the sun's UV rays?

When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun's rays are strongest. This usually means the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection. And always wear a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Remember to reapply as indicated by the manufacturer's directions.

Also, check the sunscreen's expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten the expiration date or shelf life of sunscreen.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

When do I need to protect myself from sun exposure?

Protection from sun exposure is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. Any time the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are able to reach the earth, you need to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or temperature.

Relatively speaking, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during daylight savings time (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. during standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the continental United States. UV radiation is the greatest during the late spring and early summer in North America.

Remember: UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement, sand, and snow.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

12 Steps for Prevention of Recreational Water Illnesses

Do you operate a public or commercial pool? The Centers for Disease Control have put together a list of steps to help you prevent recreational water illnesses.

Safety Posters

The Centers for Disease Control have made available safety posters designed especially for children. You can find them here.

Staying Safe in the Water (podcast)

In this podcast, Dr. Julie Gilchrist, a pediatrician and medical epidemiologist from CDC’s Injury Center, talks about staying safe in the water. Tips are for all audiences, with a focus on preventing drownings and keeping children safe in and around the pool, lake, or ocean.

"Summertime Health and Safety" series, Interview format: 5:38 minutes.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Head Lice and Swimming

It is unlikely that head lice can be spread through use of swimming pools. Lice survive by holding onto hair and are not likely to let go when someone's head goes under water. It would be rare to find lice floating in pool water. It is more likely that head lice are spread by sharing towels or other items that have been in contact with an infested person's hair. Teach your children not to share towels, hair brushes, etc., either at poolside or in the changing room. Be aware that the chlorine levels found in pools do not kill head lice.

Swimming or washing hair within 1-2 days after treating with anti-lice shampoo will make the treatment less effective.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Swimmer's Ear

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s Ear (ear ache) is an infection of the ear and/or outer ear canal. It can cause the ear to itch or become red and inflamed so that head movement or touching of the ear is very painful. Pus may also drain from the ear.

What causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s Ear is often caused by infection with a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This germ is common in the environment (soil, water) and is microscopic so that it can’t be seen with the naked eye. Although all age groups are affected by Swimmer’s Ear, it is more common in children and young adults and can be extremely painful.

How is Swimmer’s Ear spread?

Having contaminated water get in the ear can give people Swimmer’s Ear. Swimmer’s Ear usually occurs within a few days of getting contaminated water or placing contaminated objects in the ear.

Is there a difference between a childhood middle ear infection and Swimmer’s Ear?

Yes. Swimmer’s Ear is not the same as the common childhood middle ear infection. If you can wiggle the outer ear without pain or discomfort then your ear infection is probably not Swimmer’s Ear.

Can Swimmer’s Ear be prevented?

Yes. Here are four Healthy Swimming tips for protection against Swimmer’s Ear:

1) Dry your ears after swimming. If it is difficult to get water out of your ear, apply a few drops of an alcohol-based ear product into the ear. Ask a pharmacist at your local drugstore for this product.

2) Ask your pool manager about the chlorine and pH testing program at your pool. Pools and hot tubs with good chlorine and pH control are unlikely to spread Swimmer’s Ear.

3) Pay attention to signage and avoid swimming in locations that have been closed because of pollution.

4) Avoid putting objects in the ear (e.g. fingers, cotton swabs) that may scratch the ear canal and provide a site for infection.

If you think you have Swimmer’s Ear, consult your healthcare provider. Swimmer’s Ear can be treated with antibiotic ear drops.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Your Disinfection Team: Chlorine & pH

Protecting swimmers and their families from RWIs is the reason that pool staff regularly check both chlorine and pH levels. Chlorine and pH, your disinfection team, are the first defense against germs that can make swimmers sick.

What does chlorine do?

Chlorine kills germs in pools--but it takes time to work. Therefore, it’s important to make sure chlorine levels are always at the levels recommended by the health department (usually between 1.0 - 3.0 ppm).

Why does chlorine need to be tested regularly?

All sorts of things can reduce chlorine levels in pool water. Some examples are sunlight, dirt, debris, and material from swimmer’s bodies. That’s why chlorine levels must be routinely measured. However, the time it takes for chlorine to work is also affected by the other member of the disinfection team, pH.

Why is pH important?

Two reasons. First, the germ-killing power of chlorine varies with pH level. As pH goes up, the ability of chlorine to kill germs goes down. Second, a swimmer’s body has a pH between 7.2 and 7.8, so if the pool water isn’t kept in this range then swimmers will start to feel irritation of their eyes and skin. Keeping the pH in this range will balance chlorine’s germ-killing power while minimizing skin and eye irritation.

What else can be done to promote Healthy Swimming?

The best way to kill germs is by routinely measuring and adjusting both chlorine and pH levels. Since a few germs can survive for long periods in even the best maintained pools, it is also important that swimmers become aware of Healthy Swimming behaviors (don’t swim when ill with diarrhea, don’t swallow pool water, take frequent bathroom breaks, and practice good hygiene). Combining Healthy Swimming behaviors with good chlorine and pH control will reduce the spread of RWIs.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Indoor Pool Air Quality

Pool operators may be getting complaints from swimmers and pool staff about stinging eyes, nasal irritation, or difficulty breathing after being in the water or breathing the air at swimming pools, particularly indoor pools. New research indicates that these symptoms may be an indication of poor water and indoor air quality at the pool caused by a build-up of irritants, known as chloramines, in the water and air.

Irritants in the air at swimming pools are usually the combined chlorine by-products of disinfection. These by-products are the result of chlorine binding with the sweat and urine from swimmers using the pool. As the concentration of by-products in the water increases, they move into the surrounding air as well. Breathing air loaded with irritants can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the concentration of irritants in the air and amount of time the air is breathed. The symptoms of irritant exposure in the air can range from mild symptoms such as wheezing, to severe symptoms such as lung disease and, potentially, asthma^1-3. It is also known that routine breathing of irritants may increase sensitivity to other types of irritants such as fungi and bacteria.

The buildup of these irritants in the air is partially due to poor air turnover. The poor movement of fresh air over the pool surface, combined with the use of air recycling devices to control heating costs, leads to poor air exchange. Recyclers remove the moisture from the air, but they do not necessarily take in much fresh outside air. This may save money on heating, but the health risks to patrons and staff associated with the excessive use of these devices outweigh the financial benefits². Without adequate fresh air, the recycled air flowing over the pool becomes saturated with chlorination by-products so that it can no longer absorb or pick up new by-products coming from the pool water. Because recyclers do not remove all of the by-products in the air, they allow the irritants to accumulate and reach unhealthy levels. In addition, if the air is saturated with irritants, new irritants produced in the water will stay in the pool water causing further irritation, such as stinging or red eyes, for swimmers. Fresh air is important; super chlorination can be an effective way to rid the pool water of these by-products but will not work if the air is saturated with irritants.

The problem of poor indoor air quality can be fixed through a combination of prevention measures. Improving air movement over the pool and increasing the air turnover rate will reduce irritant levels in the air. One option is to open all of the doors and windows in the pool area or use fans to boost airflow over the pool surface when many swimmers are using the pool. When super chlorinating, do the same. Also, ensure that the air recycling systems are bringing in enough fresh air. Adequate disinfectant levels and constant monitoring of water quality can also help reduce irritant levels by decreasing combined chlorine formation in the water. Combined chlorine levels in the water may be reduced by adding supplementary disinfection systems such as ultraviolet light or ozone. In addition, good hygiene is needed. Getting swimmers to shower before getting in the pool and promoting regular bathroom use to reduce the amount of urine in the pool will decrease the formation of irritants.

For the health of pool staff and patrons, remember that all indoor pools need adequate fresh air exchange and all pools need good water quality. This will help make all pools a healthier and more enjoyable place to play and work.

For more information on the topic:

1. Bowen A, Kile J, Austin C, Otto C, Blount B, Kazerouni N, Wong H-N, Mainzer H, Mott J, Beach MJ, Fry AM. Outbreaks of short-incubation illness following exposure to indoor swimming pools. Environ Health Perspect, 2007; 115: 267-271.
2. Emanuel BP. The Relationship Between Pool Water Quality and Ventilation. Environmental Health, 1998; 2: 17-20.
3. Ratner J, Griffiths T. Exercise-Induced Asthma and Indoor Swimming Pools. Parks and Recreation. 1995; 7: 46-51.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Six Steps of Healthy Swimming

Six Steps of Healthy Swimming: Protection Against Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

You Can Choose to Swim Healthy!

Healthy Swimming behaviors will help protect you and your kids from RWIs and help stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place.

Here are six steps that promote Healthy Swimming:

Three Steps for All Swimmers

Keep germs from causing illnesses (RWIs) at the pool:

• Please don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
• Please don't swallow the pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Please practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

Three Steps for Parents of Young Kids

Keep germs out of the pool:

• Please take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.
• Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside. Germs can spread in and around the pool.
• Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Spa Safety Tips

Heed...spa rules for safe and healthy use.

• Refrain from entering a spa when you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing spa water or even getting it into your mouth.
• Shower or bathe with soap before entering the spa.
• Observe limits, if posted, on the maximum allowable number of bathers.
• Exclude children less than 5 years of age from using spas.
• If pregnant, consult a physician before spa use, particularly in the first trimester.

Observe...and listen to the spa and its surroundings. What should you notice?

• No odor; a well-chlorinated spa has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
• Smooth spa sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
• Spa equipment is working; pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running.
• Spa temperature; the water temperature should not exceed 104˚F (40˚C)
• Check the spa water; test for adequate chlorine (2-5 parts per million) and pH (7.2-7.8) levels. Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers and pool supply stores. If you want to practice using them at home, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/test_strip_instructions.pdf

Talk...to spa owners/staff and other spa users.

• What was the health inspector’s grade for the spa after its last inspection?
• Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice per day?
• Are these levels checked during times when the pool is most heavily used?
• Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the spa is most heavily used?
• What specialized training did the staff take to prepare for working at or operating a spa?
• Learn about RWIs and educate other users and your spa operator.
• Urge your spa management to spread the word about RWIs to spa staff and pool users.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Protection Against Illnesses

Pool User Information: Protect Yourself from Recreational Water Illnesses by Remembering to Swim Your LAAPS!

Look… at the pool and surroundings. What should you notice?

• Clean and clear pool water; you should be able to clearly see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool.
• Smooth pool sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.
• No odor; a well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
• Pool equipment working; pool pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running.

Ask… questions of the pool staff.

• What specialized training did the staff take to prepare for working at or operating the pool?
• Are chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice per day?
• Are these levels checked during times when the pool is most heavily used?
• Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the pool is most heavily used?
• What was the health inspector’s grade for the pool after its last inspection?

Act… by being proactive and educating others.

• Learn about recreational water illnesses and educate other users and your pool operator.
• Urge your pool management to spread the word about RWIs to pool staff and pool users.
• Let your pool operator know that the health and well being of all swimmers is a priority for you.
• Check the pool water yourself for adequate chlorine (1-2 parts per million) and pH (7.2-7.8) levels.
• Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers and pool supply stores.

Practice…. healthy swimming behaviors

• Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.
• Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area.
  

Safety… is always important.

• Keep an eye on children at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
• Don’t use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) with children in place of life jackets or life preservers.
• Protect against sunburn by using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection, and be sure to re-apply it after swimming.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Swimming with Sharks, Part Two

Here is the rest of the article about using a sanitizer in your swimming pool.

How do you protect yourself and loved ones from sharks and RWI’s? Visual inspection should be enough to determine if an inland body of water has sharks. But a visual inspection cannot determine if an inland body of water has RWI’s. Health official’s test water for RWI’s by growing cultures to determine if and what type of RWI’s are present but this process can take about 48 hours. The use of an approved pool water test kit such as Taylor or LaMotte can provide levels of sanitizer and pH immediately. Maintaining constant sanitizer levels is the best way to control and kill microorganisms which can best be achieved with a properly operating automatic chemical controller. .

The Center For Disease Control recommends that the general public test all public bodies of water for sanitizer levels and pH. If the public brings to the owner’s and manager’s attention any low sanitizer levels, RWI’s will be minimized. I travel with Taylor K-1300 test strips that allow me to quickly test the water and color match the results. On a recent road trip to Branson, MO, I would not let my 8 year old son swim in a hotel pool without any sanitizer even though the water was clear and sparkling. I brought this to the attention to the front-desk manager. He quickly checked his pool water and equipment. The problem was a clogged chlorine feeder which was repaired.
Was there a deadly microorganism in the water? I do not know. But, I am not willing to find out at my son’s expense or even another guest’s.

Today, I was delivering chemicals to a hotel. On the pool room door was a sign that read “Caution – main drain covering missing”. Well, at least they were warning their customers. I ran to the front desk of the hotel. They called the hotel manager at home since I wanted the pool closed till a new cover was installed. The pool is now closed. What were the property owner, GM, and maintenance technician thinking by allowing the pool to remain open? Swimming with sharks.

Source