Abstract
Tri halo methanes (THMs), a common disinfection by products in swimming pool water are the major concern in Kuwait. With the objective of assuring the safety and health of the swimmers, the study was focused on THMs in indoor pool samples collected from mid-July to October 2018. pH, temperature, residual chlorine, and total organic carbon were analyzed in relation to THMs. The concentration ranged from 1.9 to 85.7 mu g/L in all pools, and the values were within the specification limits on an average for each pool. A few significant correlations were established between Tri halo methane components from statistical analysis. Since long-term exposure of Tri halo methanes affect swimmer's health, the total lifetime cancer risk index was calculated and observed that all the pools had a value greater than 10(-6), including both male and female swimmers. The main contribution of risk identified from the study was chloroform exposure through inhalation. Also, the non-carcinogenic effect on swimmers using hazard index was estimated and determined that few pools exceeded the value1.0. The average total lifetime cancer risk of all pools for men and women (8.03 x 10(-6) and 8.8 x 10(-6) ), hazard index for men and women (1.31 and 1.43) were above guidelines and classified as risk. Therefore, the pools should be monitored and maintained with care to reduce the concentration of disinfectant used and subsequently lowers the generation of THMs. The frequent cleaning of pools will help to continue swimming without any long term exposure effects.