ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sept. 30, 2015 — The first American National Standard addressing the health effects of pool and spa treatment chemicals has been published by NSF International, according to a press release.
NSF/ANSI 50 was updated to include "equipment for pools, spas, hot tubs and other recreational water facilities," noted the release. It evaluates the chemicals’ toxicity and requires testing for trace contaminants in the chemicals.
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticides evaluates and registers pool and spa disinfectants, algaecides and other biocides, categories such a sequestering chemicals, water chemistry balancing agents and filtration aids are not included, stated the release.
The new edition of the standard includes the effects of dermal contact, inhalation and ingestion exposures, reported the release. Testing requirements are specified for products used at recreational water facilities.
"In the absence of a public pool chemical standard, Florida has required these products to meet NSF/ANSI 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals – Health Effects," said Bob Vincent, environmental administrator for the Florida Department of Public Health, in the release. "Now the new edition of NSF/ANSI 50 fills that void with a more appropriate standard for these public pool and spa treatment chemicals."
NSF-ANSI 50 was developed with input from the regulatory, industrial, academic and consumer communities, shared the release. The standard evolves as products and material test methods and regulations change.
Click here to read the entire release.
