All articles tagged with #water contamination
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The Boston Globe
Four people in New Hampshire contracted Giardia after drinking from the same natural spring, prompting an investigation into water safety, with a fifth case also linked to the spring.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by WSLS
Multiple cases of flesh-eating bacteria, caused by Vibrio vulnificus, have been reported in Florida, especially during warmer months. The bacteria can be contracted through contaminated water or shellfish and may cause severe infections or death. Precautions include thoroughly cooking shellfish, avoiding swimming in contaminated waters, and protecting open wounds. People with compromised immune systems should be particularly cautious.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by KUT
Flooding in Central Texas has caused environmental concerns including water contamination and increased mosquito risks, prompting safety advisories and water management efforts, with reservoirs refilling and some areas under boil water notices, while officials warn of health risks from standing water and runoff.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Mental Floss
Swimming in lakes can be risky due to bacteria, pollutants, and rare but deadly amoebas, but following safety precautions like avoiding contaminated water, not swallowing water, and checking for advisories can help ensure a safer experience.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) (.gov)
NASA's EMIT sensor on the International Space Station has detected signs of wastewater contamination off the California coast by identifying a pigment associated with cyanobacteria, demonstrating its potential to complement traditional water sampling methods and fill data gaps in pollution monitoring.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by The Autopian
RV water tanks can harbor dangerous bacteria and parasites if not properly maintained and cleaned regularly. The CDC reports a fatal brain infection linked to contaminated RV water, emphasizing the importance of using filtered, sterile, or boiled water for internal use and regularly cleaning the tanks to prevent health risks. Installing effective filtration systems and sanitizing tanks every few months are recommended safety measures.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Reading Eagle
Berks County South Campus has closed temporarily after detecting legionella bacteria in its water system, prompting safety measures including water system chlorination and restricted access, while allowing occupancy with precautions due to the bacteria's potential to cause severe pneumonia and other symptoms.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by NBC News
A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has been traced to untreated canal water used by Florida growers, highlighting ongoing concerns about water safety in produce farming and the challenges in preventing contamination through current regulations and testing methods.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Boing Boing
A CDC report details the death of a woman in Texas caused by Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, which was traced back to contaminated RV water used for nasal irrigation. The case underscores the importance of using sterile or distilled water for nasal rinses and maintaining water quality in RVs and municipal supplies to prevent such deadly infections.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Reuters
Rescue teams in Papua New Guinea do not expect to find survivors under the rubble of a massive landslide in Enga province, with the death toll potentially ranging from hundreds to thousands. The challenging terrain, damaged infrastructure, and tribal unrest have delayed aid and heavy equipment. The landslide has also contaminated water sources, posing significant health risks and displacing around 1,650 people.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail
Experts warn that cryptosporidium, a parasite typically spread through contaminated water and animal feces, can also be transmitted through sexual activity. Recent outbreaks in Devon have highlighted the risk, with 77 cases reported. Infected individuals can remain contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms disappear, and UK health officials have yet to issue specific advice on avoiding sexual transmission. The parasite is chlorine-resistant, posing additional risks in swimming pools.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newsweek
A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that certain areas in the U.S. and other countries are hot spots for PFAS, or "forever chemicals," with concentrations exceeding recommended levels in water samples. These chemicals, used in various household items, have been linked to health problems. The study found that over 69% of surface water and 33,900 groundwater samples worldwide contained more PFAS than Canada's minimum standard, with the U.S. being home to several hot spots. The Biden administration has announced the first enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS in the U.S., aiming to address the issue of contaminated drinking water.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The News Journal
The EPA has finalized drinking water standards for PFAS, a class of forever chemicals, with a new limit set at 4 parts per trillion. Around 35 million people in the US are living in areas not in compliance with the new limits, including over 200,000 in Delaware. Five water systems in Delaware have detections above the new PFAS limits, impacting over 266,000 people in the state. The state has been involved in PFAS-related litigation and cleanup efforts, with ongoing efforts to address contamination and upgrade water treatment systems.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News
A study published in Nature Geoscience has revealed dangerous levels of PFAS "forever chemicals" in surface and groundwater worldwide, with hotspots identified in Australia, the United States, and Europe. The substances, found in everyday products, have been linked to serious health conditions. The research found that 45% of U.S. tap water samples contained PFAS, and high concentrations were also found in Canada, China, and parts of Europe. While efforts to restrict PFAS use are underway, the extent of contamination in water supplies globally remains unknown.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
Concerns have been raised about high levels of E. coli and enterococci bacteria in Paris's Seine River, where open-water swimming events for the Olympic and Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place. While a cleanup plan is in place, a nonprofit organization has expressed alarm over the potential health risks to athletes. Officials have dismissed the concerns, citing ongoing efforts to improve water quality and stating that the river will be "swimmable" for the Summer Games. Plans to clean up the river have been ongoing since 2016, with the aim of opening more than 20 swimmable sites to the public after the Olympics.