Reducing Illnesses at Indoor Water Parks

Lifeguards and patrons in the rapidly growing indoor waterpark industry can be exposed to numerous disinfection byproducts (DBP) and microorganisms that can cause adverse health effects such as eye and respiratory irritation, skin rashes, and flu-like symptoms. NIOSH provided technical assistance to a county health department to investigate the cause of symptoms reported by employees of a large indoor waterpark. This document addresses issues that pool managers, designers, and public health officials should consider to reduce illness at indoor water parks.