Hazardous Chemical Spill in Riverside Community Pool

On Wednesday July 17th at approximately 2:30PM, families were trying to beat the heat by cooling off at Ysmael Villegas Parks community pool. None of the families using the pool expected to be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, three children were hospitalized, and 15 others were evacuated for their symptoms after being exposed to a chemical leak. Initially, swimmers noticed a strong chemical odor being emitted from the pools pump and swimmers also noticed bubbling at one side of the pool. When officials arrived at the scene, they described the chemical odor as a possible case of chlorine or acid spill. During the chemical spill, there were 79 people, including 53 children, in the pool who were exposed to the chemicals. Three people were taken to hospital with respiratory issues caused by the chemical exposure. 

If you or a loved one was exposed to the chemical spill at Ysmael Villegas Park’s community pool and have experienced adverse symptoms, contact our Environmental team at MLG today. We are a national Environmental and Class Action law firm serving the victims of environmental negligence across Riverside. Our team has represented the rights of individuals in Riverside for over three decades. With more than $1 billion in compensation obtained for our clients and successful verdicts against some of the nation’s largest companies like Wells Fargo, our team has the expertise to fight for your justice.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the chemical spill at Ysmael Villegas Park’s community pool, contact us today by filling out our form or by calling (909) 345-8110.

Your Health Could be In Danger

Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools to disinfect water, killing harmful bacteria and germs that can cause illnesses. Acids, such as muriatic acid, are often used to balance the pH levels of the pool water, ensuring it remains safe and comfortable for swimmers. When chlorine or acid spills occur, the consequences can be severe. Swimmers can experience: 

  • Respiratory Issues: Inhaling chlorine fumes or acid vapors can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, exposure to high concentrations can cause chemical burns to the respiratory tract and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
  • Chemical Burns: Spills of concentrated chlorine or acid can cause chemical burns upon contact with the skin. These burns can be painful and may require medical treatment to heal properly.
  • Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact with chlorine or acid can cause significant irritation to the skin and eyes. Swimmers may experience redness, itching, and burning sensations. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe skin conditions, such as chemical burns or dermatitis.

MLG specializes in bringing justice to communities whose health, livelihood, and environment have been polluted or harmed because of negligent practices. Contact our team today if you or a loved one has experienced symptoms due to the chemical spill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What may have caused the chemical spill at Ysmael Villegas Park’s community pool?

While still under investigation, the spill may have been caused by a malfunction in the pool’s pump system, which was noticed by swimmers due to a strong chemical odor and bubbling at one side of the pool. Officials identified the spill as a possible chlorine or acid leak, commonly used for disinfecting and balancing the pH levels of pool water. Equipment failure, improper chemical handling, or human error during maintenance could have led to the unintended release of these chemicals into the pool, resulting in the exposure and subsequent health issues experienced by the swimmers.

Potential long-term health effects of exposure to pool chemicals such as chlorine and acid include chronic respiratory problems, persistent skin conditions, and an increased risk of developing certain cancers. Repeated or prolonged exposure to elevated levels of these chemicals can have severe and lasting impacts on health, highlighting the importance of proper chemical management in pool environments.

Swimmers can identify a chemical spill in a pool by noticing unusual odors, such as a strong chlorine smell, or visual signs like bubbling or discoloration of the water. Upon identifying these signs, swimmers should immediately exit the pool, avoid inhaling any fumes, and report the situation to relevant authorities. Seeking fresh air and medical attention if experiencing symptoms like coughing or skin irritation is crucial.

Chlorine functions in a swimming pool by disinfecting the water, killing harmful bacteria, and preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses. However, its misuse can lead to chemical spills, over-chlorination, or the release of chlorine gas, which can cause respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and chemical burns. Proper handling and monitoring of chlorine levels are essential to avoid these risks.

How to Start Your Potential Case

Finding the right Environmental attorney is crucial to ensuring you receive the appropriate legal representation and compensation for your case. Contacting an Environmental Attorney from MLG ensures that your interests will be represented. Here are four steps to help you contact a qualified Environmental attorney:    

  1. Step 1: Research and Gather Information – Before reaching out, gather all relevant information about your case. This includes details about the incident and information about the parties involved. Take note of the date, time, and location of the incident.
  2. Step 2: Call or Complete the Form for Initial Evaluation – Use the provided phone number or online form to contact our team. You may find it helpful to prepare a summary of your case before making the call or completing the form. This will ensure you provide essential details efficiently.
  3. Step 3: Schedule a Free Evaluation – Request a free evaluation to discuss your case in detail. We offer free initial evaluations to assess the viability of your case. During this meeting, you can share the specifics of your situation, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how our team can assist you.
  4. Step 4: Prepare for the Evaluation– Before the scheduled evaluation, organize all relevant documents and be prepared to articulate the details of your case clearly. This will help the attorney assess the merits of your case more effectively. During the evaluation, feel free to ask any questions you may have about the legal process, potential outcomes, and our approach to environmental lawsuits.

Your Health is Our Priority

McCune Law Group has been representing individuals for more than 30 years. Our team of Environmental and Class Action attorneys will never place profits above results. Our clients’ experiences and outcomes are our top priority, and it shows. We have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients and have successfully litigated against Fortune 500 companies like Wells Fargo, Hyundai, Toyota, and more. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

If you believe you have been victim of this chemical spill, contact us today by completing the form or by calling (909) 345-8110.

Attorney Advertising

McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt APC is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship. 

Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, IL, MO, NJ, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.

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