| With the increase in number of water recreational facilities, you are urged to review
support data available from the National Swimming Pool Foundation. Prevention Advisor
News That Aquatic Professionals Need To Know: How Well Do Swim Diapers Work? How
well do they contain a watery diarrhea accident typical of a Cryptosporidium (Crypto) infected
child?
Here are some results from a UNC - Charlotte research study by James Amburgey, Ph.D.,
Michael J. Arrowood, Ph.D., and Roy R. Fielding, B.A., M.Ed. that examined how well a variety
of swim diapers trap or release microspheres that mimic Crypto. This work was presented at the
2008 World Aquatic HealthT Conference.
Microsphere Releases in Time for Different Swim Diaper Combinations (%)
What percentage of the 10 million Crypto-like particles remain in a swim diaper 5 minutes after
a release event?
The answer is that only 10-62% of Crypto remain in the swim diaper after 5 minutes. In the
majority of these experiments (shown in the figure above), more than 50% of these 5-micron
sized particles were released within the first 2 minutes. Whether you release 3.8, 5, or 9 million
Crypto into the pool, a serious problem is created for the swimmers.
Therefore, swim diapers are not the best solution.
Working to prevent fecal accidents remains the best defense. Parents and children must be
educated about the Six "PLEAs" recommended by the CDC for protection against recreational
water illnesses:
1. PLEASE do not swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in
the water and make other people sick.
2. PLEASE do not swallow pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
3. PLEASE practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash
your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
4. PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to
hear "I have to go" may mean it's too late.
5. PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
6. PLEASE wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before
swimming.
For more information on Crypto, go to the Crypto Tool Kit on our website at
http://www.nspf.org/CryptoToolkit.html. In the event fecal accidents occur, it is important to
note that very high chlorine levels are needed to inactivate Crypto. As a result, operators should
consider other techniques at their facility to help inactivate Crypto and to reduce the risk of RWI.
For example, ultraviolet light (UV) systems or ozone systems have been shown to inactivate
Crypto.
.
Take Home Messages on Reducing Crypto Outbreaks:
Educating patrons on the Six "PLEAs" is the key to preventing Crypto outbreaks.
On their own, sand filters are not very efficient at removing Crypto (about 2 days to
remove 90% and close to a week to remove 99.9% Crypto).
With proper water clarifier use, 99.6% of the Crypto can be removed more quickly (i.e.,
with a single passage through the filter) versus 23.3% without
clarifier.
Regular use of water clarifiers can help mitigate Crypto outbreaks.
Consider other lines of defense at your facility including UV, Ozone, or enhanced
filtration to reduce the risk of RWI outbreaks.
Prevention Advisor subscribers will receive outbreak alerts when NSPF and CDC are
aware of one in your region.
This newsletter is a monthly communication to professionals in the pool and spa industry from
the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®). The NSPF® is a non-profit organization.
NSPF founded in 1965, committed to improving public health by encouraging healthier living
through aquatic education and research. To view the entire online seminar by Dr. James
Amburgey, go to the NSPF® Online Shopping Cart. |
Article
National Swimming Pool Foundation Prevention Advisor