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According to the US EPA, more than 3.5 million Americans each year are afflicted by water-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as many as 900 deaths each year are directly related to waterborne microbial infections. Leaking septic tanks, farm runoff, sewage drainage, and garbage dumping are the usual suspects for diseases caused by bodily contact with contaminated water. California alone dumps more than 44 billion tons of sewage sludge into the ocean each year. No wonder surfers, lifeguards, water-skiers, divers and swimmers are routinely exposed to toxic levels of E-coli and staph bacteria, causing everything from ear and skin infections to intestinal troubles. Even the seemingly innocent pastime of building sandcastles can cause illness. The Clean Beaches Council found five to 10 times more bacteria in the moist, sandy shoreline than in the water itself. Because bacteria can live longer in sand than in water, beaches along oceans, rivers, and lakes can pose serious health risks even in winter. Rain washes toxins and sewage into the waterways, increasing beach closures and raising incidents of bacterial and viral infections. So how can you protect yourself and your family? Health officials say prevention is key. Heed warnings of beach closures. Closures are listed by state, area, or beach on the EPA website at http://oaspub.epa.gov/beacon/beacon_national_page.main. When at the beach, avoid getting water in your mouth and wash well before eating that picnic lunch - even if the kids were just playing in the sand. From HealthNewsDigest.com Environment
Oct 3, 2005 |