Comfort Inn Pool Investigation Update

Vernal, UT – On July 13, TriCounty Health Department (TriCHD) responded to dispatch calls reporting that those at the Comfort Inn pool were experiencing respiratory distress, nausea and vomiting. TriCHD shut the pool down until further notice and began an investigation. 

In the investigation, TriCHD found that a broken chemical line resulted in a hydrogen chloride leak. TriCHD has determined that those affected were exposed to hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid (HCl) fumes. HCl gas can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The level of harm depends upon the dose and duration of exposure. Most people fully recover between 7-14 days after exposure. A short duration exposure from which a person recovers quickly is not likely to cause long-term effects. More information on HCl can be found on the CDC website.

TriCHD would like to thank the first responders who arrived on scene and quickly ventilated the area and moved people to safety.

TriCHD reminds anyone who was exposed to contact their doctor if they have any ongoing symptoms.

Given that the pool was shut down immediately and that the exposure symptoms are not contagious, TriCHD is confident that the measures taken were sufficient to protect the public.

At this time, the pool equipment has been repaired and we anticipate the pool will be safe to reopen in the coming days, pending satisfactory water testing and equipment testing.

Those interested in more information may contact TriCHD at 435-247-1177.