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Diseases acquired by using swimming-pools were recorded by inquiring visitors and local physicians in a German spa. The diseases were brought into relation with microbiological and chemical parameters of the swimming-pool water. Water quality was in general satisfying, but on days with a very great number of visitors the treatment-plant quickly was working beyond capacity. 663 out of 1056 visitors indicated diseases which they traced back to the visit of the swimming-pool. The quality of the water was the reason for only a part of the diseases. Eye-irritations and colds counted up to nearly half of the illnesses, other frequent complaints concerned the skin and the ear-nose-and throat-region.

The influence of Ethrane upon electro shock and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions was studied in mice. Similar to other inhalation anaesthetics and to barbiturates Ethrane exerts a powerful anticonvulsive activity. There is a dose response relationship between the rate of electro shock (20 mA/0.2 sec) induced convulsions and inspiratory Ethrane concentration, convulsions being completely prevented by 1.5 vol.-percent of Ethrane. The LD(50) of pentylentetrazol increases five fold under a 2 vol.-percent Ethrane anaesthesia.

Diseases of the skin related to the use of swimming pools do not appear very often in medical reports. In this review of such diseases we designate changes in the skin and hair as being infectious, toxic or allergic in origin. Particular attention is given to allergenic additives in the water. There is no indication that public swimming pools in the Federal Republic of Germany present any danger to the skin.