PEACHLAND VIEW
JUNE 3, 2016
15
SPORTS | HEALTH
UBC research aims to make swimming healthier, more energy efficient VIEW STAFF UBC engineering researchers are looking for ways to reduce energy use and minimize potential health concerns in community pools. In a study that will examine large-scale indoor pools across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, researchers will examine how pool design impacts chemical exposure experienced by swimmers. They will also explore ways to reduce that exposure in the most energy efficient way possible. According to the study’s lead investigator, Prof. Rehan Sadiq, associate dean of engineering at UBC’s Okanagan campus, the project, which he refers to as a mix of civil engineering and toxicology, will help identify the most desirable ways pools can be built and operated. Sadiq says as part of the study, the group will be looking for ways to reduce the presence of chemical compounds in the air and water that are found in indoor pool environments, compounds such as chloramines – which occur when the sweat, saliva or urine of swimmers are mixed with disinfectants – and trihalomethanes, both of which are considered to potentially have a negative im-
Lords win!
JEN SCOTT
PEACHLAND’S JARED TKACHUK dribbles his way to the net during a basketball
game held at Constable Neil Bruce Middle School on May 27. In the end the Lords beat Summerland 27-21.
Correction An error was made on page 15 of the May 27 edition of The View. In the headline “Grade 7 Lords lose to Pronghorns in third overtime,” was not correct. There were two overtimes, not three. We sincerely apologize for this error.
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pact on human health. In addition to data collection and sampling, the project will use computer modeling to examine various types of pool equipment, such as ventilation and water pump systems. “While the evidence shows the benefits of swimming outweigh the risks, as engineers, we would like to minimize those risks,” says UBC researcher and PhD candidate Roberta Dyck. “As water in swimming pools is not regulated like drinking water, we’re also hoping we can encourage some stronger standards that will create greater consistency in pool environments.” The project has attracted a number of community and industry partners, including the AME Consulting Group (engineers), DB Perks (commercial aquatic supplies) and Waterplay Solutions Corp. (aquatic equipment designers), Acton Ostry Architects Inc., MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, and Healthy Buildings (air testing), and various municipalities in B.C. The research will also inform the operations of UBC Vancouver’s new $40 million aquatic centre, which is expected to have over 600,000 annual visits when it’s completed later this year.