Waterpark trip takes scary turn as 12 are exposed to chlorine gas

Twelve people were treated for chlorine gas exposure at a Nebraska waterpark, according to officials.

Upon responding to the Pawnee Plunge waterpark in Columbus, Nebraska on Monday, June 1, the Columbus Fire Department, alongside other personnel, treated 12 people exposed to chlorine gas, according to a Columbus Fire Department news release. Eight were transported to a local hospital and four refused transport. As of June 3, the Columbus Fire Department could not provide details on the status of those affected.

The cause of the chlorine gas exposure was likely due to the backflow process, which is used to clear out pool filters throughout the day, the news release states. This process occurs multiple times daily, but it is believed that during one of the clearings, a chlorine air bubble was released, which is atypical, waterpark staff told the fire department.

The waterpark was temporarily shut down during the incident but reopened the same day, according to the fire department news release.

What are the symptoms of chlorine gas exposure?

Chlorine exposure symptoms depend on how long a person was exposed and to how much chlorine the person was exposed to. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of exposure to high levels of chlorine include:

• Blurred vision or tearing eyes
• Burning in the noise, throat, lungs and eyes
• Coughing and/or coughing up white to pink-colored fluid
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath or rapid and shallow breathing
• Respiratory failure
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Skin pain, redness and/or blisters

What to do if you're exposed to chlorine gas

Columbus Fire Chief Ryan Gray recommended the following emergency actions for those exposed to chlorine gas:

• Move to fresh air and loosen tight-fitting clothing.
• Clean off by removing all clothing, jewelry and accessories. Shower as soon as possible.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, persistent coughing and/or chest tightness.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].