At least 26 people hospitalised in Cyprus after inhaling chemical fumes used by pool workers

At least 26 guests at a hotel in Cyprus have been hospitalised after inhaling toxic fumes from chemicals used by a maintenance worker.

Two employees At the Geroskipou hotel, a 57-year-old supervisor and a 28-year-old worker who allegedly acted on the supervisor’s instructions are currently under investigation for dangerous or negligent acts resulting in bodily injury.

According to authorities, the 28-year-old poured a combination of 10 liters of calcium hydrochloride and chlorine into the pool’s overflow channel, which when mixed generate toxic fumes. Cyprus Post reports.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, led to 12 adults and 14 children being taken to Paphos General Hospital.

The 28-year-old is believed to have been instructed to take action when chlorine levels below safe limits were initially detected, however any pool treatment must be carried out before the pool is opened or after people have left at the end of the day.

The worker is also under investigation for performing work outside his contractual duties as a room attendant.

Cyprus police requested the arrest of the hotel manager for illegally employing the 28-year-old, whose duties did not match his employment conditions, but the Paphos District Court rejected the request.

Two children were admitted to hospital as a precaution on Monday night after inhaling chlorine fumes, but were due to be released later in the day.

The fumes generated can cause skin irritation or burns, as well as respiratory problems.

However, those who came into contact with the gases are believed to have suffered only mild symptoms without serious complications.

Charalambos Charilaou, spokesman for the state health insurance organisation (Okypy), praised the immediate and effective action of the health service.