It turns out that drowning isn’t the only pool hazard. A new government report from the Centers for Disease Control tallies injuries caused by pool chemicals, based on records from hospitals and poison control centers. In 2007 alone, an estimated 4,600 people went to emergency departments and another 9,500 called poison centers after being injured by pool chemicals. Most had inhaled the fumes or gotten the chemicals in their eyes.

Here’s a wonky line from the report: “Although no one data source alone elucidates completely the epidemiology of pool chemical-associated injuries, together they reveal multiple commonalities that suggest these injuries are preventable.”

Translation: Be careful. You can avoid an accident that sends you or someone else to the emergency room by using common sense and taking some precautions. Always follow the directions on the package; wear appropriate protective gear; store chemicals in a dry place; don’t mix chemicals together; and keep kids away when you’re handling any pool supplies.

The CDC has a handy pamphlet on the dangers of pool chemicals that pool owners can print out and keep with their other pool information.