The Chlorinated Shorts - A Case of Personal Injury.

What Happened?

I was contacted by a Dublin-based solicitor, who was acting on behalf of a client who claimed to have sustained personal injuries during a swimming session at a local swimming pool.

I was not provided with any specific details of what occurred, simply that the client is alleged to have sustained these injuries while swimming, and that it was suggested that pool chemicals may be linked to the injury. I was provided with an article of clothing the client was wearing at the time of injury, and instructed to analyse the clothing, with specific attention for the presence of chemicals which may be used to clean swimming pools.

How did we analyse it?

I analysed the garment using a combination of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to examine the threads of the garment under high magnification, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to measure the elemental content at selected points.

Four locations on the garment were selected, as marked in the above photographs, on the front and back of the garment, and on each leg. A 30x30 mm sliver was cut out from each location, and attached to a sample holder stub for SEM/EDS analysis.

I used EDS to measure the elemental content of the fibres of the garment. Aside from the carbon and oxygen which forms the polyester fibre threads, I also detected chlorine, sulphur, and calcium, in concentrations ranging from 1 - 3 % by weight.

But more importantly, sitting on the surface of the garment, nestled between the threads, I found particulate matter, with a crystalline appearance. EDS analysis of this particulate measured high levels of chlorine, sulphur, and calcium.

What was the resolution?

From a technical and scientific point of view, this case was very clear-cut. The measured elemental composition of the thread fibres and particulate matter point to the use of powdered water treatment products. The concentration of chlorine and sulphur measured on the clothing garment was many thousands of times in excess of the acceptable concentration in water. Using the Technical Report I prepared, mediation was suggested, and an agreeable settlement was reached for the client.

Do you require scientific or engineering analysis in a case of personal injury?

Cases of personal injury come in all shapes and sizes, but scientific facts are central to each and every one. A comprehensive technical examination and report will find the truth of the matter. To discuss your case, and how a technical examination may help, contact us today.