Free Webinar Developed By NSF International, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention And PPG Industries To Help Prevent Recreational Water Illnesses

As the number of water parks continues to grow, the number of illnesses from recreational water facilities has also increased. To help educate public health officials, NSF International is teaming up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and PPG Industries to host a free webinar on recreational water illness prevention.

Technology in the pool industry is advancing to include sophisticated and highly-efficient systems that treat water and limit the spread of disease. Unfortunately, not all pool operators or environmental health officials are aware of these advanced treatment technologies. This is why NSF International, a public health and safety organization, along with the CDC and PPG, a coatings and specialty chemical products company, created a webinar for public health officials that is now available for free on NSF's website (News/Features section).

Highlights from the webinar include:

• Sources, causes, and statistics on recreational water illnesses (RWIs) in the U.S. and recommendations for prevention and remediation, as discussed by the CDC Healthy Swimming, Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch.
• What environmental health officials need to look for in equipment rooms when developing public health codes, as explained by Rich Martin, Manager, NSF International's Recreational Water Programs. He also outlines how water treatment products are tested and certified to demonstrate compliance with NSF's standards.
• How to optimize chlorine disinfection through water chemistry as one of the essential safeguards for safer swimming, as explained by Dr. Stanley Pickens, Senior Research Associate, PPG Industries. He also discusses the impact of high cyanuric acid (CYA) levels on chlorine efficacy in recreational waters.

"The webinar Prevention of Recreational Water Illness expands our technical knowledge and reinforces sound safety principles," said Glenn Takeoka, REHS, Chief, Environmental Management Branch, California Department of Public Health. "It's our mission to promote public health and educate the community about safe recreational swimming practices. As environmental health professionals, we continually seek new information and progressive solutions to complex issues. The webinar contains valuable educational content for all public and environmental health professionals. In these times of budgetary challenges and increased swimming concerns, the webinar has been very well received by state and local regulators."

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for public health officials may be available for those viewing the webinar. If you would like more information on the webinar and obtaining CEUs, please contact Richard Martin at martin@nsf.org or call 1-734-769-5346.

For additional information on a wide array of public health and safety issues, visit NSF International's Web site. A pool safety public service announcement is also available.

Background on NSF's Recreational Water Program
NSF International's Recreational Water Program was developed in 1960, and since that time, NSF has been dedicated to protecting the public and educating consumers on pool/spa safety and maintenance issues. A complete list of pool and spa products that have been tested and certified by NSF is available on NSF's Web site.

About NSF International
NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. NSF conducts unannounced audits and tests and certifies products used in pools, spas and recreational facilities including filters, chemical generators, pumps, drains, skimmers, UV systems, and many other products. NSF also provides free pool safety tips. Additional NSF services include Education and Training and safety audits for the food and water industries. For more information, visit: www.nsf.org.

SOURCE: NSF International