Specialist Public Health Lawyers Say Victims’ Health Must Be First Priority After Chlorine Exposure

Specialist lawyers who represent many people affected by the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Edinburgh two years ago say an urgent investigation into the recent St. Andrews chemical leak is crucial so that lessons can be learned to prevent it happening again.

Specialist public health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Scotland say that monitoring the victims’ health is the first priority as exposure to chlorine gas can cause serious issues for those affected.

Irwin Mitchell Scotland represents 30 people who were affected by the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Edinburgh two years ago and says that lesson can be learnt from that incident in terms of identifying the cause of the leak as soon as possible so that it can be prevented from happening again.

NHS Tayside says that five children and 14 adults were treated for exposure to chlorine gas at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after the incident at the East Sands leisure centre on Tuesday 25 August.

It is understood they suffered breathing difficulties but have now been discharged. Exposure to chlorine can also cause a burning feeling in the mouth, skin burns, vomiting, low blood pressure and issues with irritation in eyes.

Eyewitnesses who were in and around the swimming pool areas told the local media how they heard a bang before staff set off a fire alarm and evacuated the area while the emergency services attended.

A total of thirteen fire engines and more than 50 firefighters attended the scene as well as ambulances and specialist teams with breathing apparatus and gas-safe outfits.

The pool is currently closed whole Fife Sports and Leisure Trust which runs the site investigate the cause of the incident.

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