Thermal pools or hot springs are heated by underlying magma. While many can be enjoyed some can cause serious injury, even death. A hot spring or thermal pool should never be entered until it has been carefully evaluated.
Hazards associated with a thermal pool or hot spring:
(1) thermal burns
(2) acid burns (from sulfuric and other acids)
(3) toxic gases (sulfur dioxide, other)
(4) Legionella pneumophila pneumonia
(5) keratitis or meningoencephalitis associated with free-living amebae
(6) infections due to Pseudomonas species (see hazards of hot tubs)
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