Tag

Water Contamination

All articles tagged with #water contamination

science16 days ago•35 min saved

Tiny plastics in bottled water exceed prior estimates, study finds

A peer‑reviewed study in Science of the Total Environment found bottled water contains higher concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics than treated tap water, with nanoplastics making up more than 50% of detected particles. Using advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy and optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy, researchers warn that nanoplastics can cross cellular barriers and potentially reach organs, underscoring the need for better detection and consideration of alternatives to bottled water (e.g., filtered tap water or reusable bottles).

via Yahoo|

#bottled-water #detection-methods #microplastics

climate22 days ago•84 min saved

Private wells across the U.S. tainted by PFAS “forever chemicals” go undetected

A sweeping AP investigation finds that PFAS, the so‑called forever chemicals, are quietly contaminating drinking water wells across the United States, including many private wells that homeowners may not test or even know are contaminated, raising health concerns and exposing gaps in monitoring and accountability that communities are pushing to close.

via AP News|

#climate #drinking-water #forever-chemicals

health5 months ago•0 min saved

Giardia Outbreak in NH Linked to Bethlehem Natural Spring

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.

via The Boston Globe|

#giardia #health #natural-spring

health7 months ago•1 min saved

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases in Florida and Surrounding Areas

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.

via WSLS|

#flesh-eating-bacteria #florida #health

environment7 months ago•3 min saved

Flooding Raises Mosquito Risks, Officials Warn Austin Residents

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.

via KUT|

#environment #flooding #mosquitoes

health-and-safety7 months ago•3 min saved

Is Swimming in Lakes Safe?

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.

via Mental Floss|

#brain-eating-amoeba #health-and-safety #lake-safety

science8 months ago•1 min saved

NASA Sensor Monitors Coastal Contamination from Space Station

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.

via NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) (.gov)|

#california-coast #cyanobacteria #emit

health-and-safety8 months ago•11 min saved

Protect Your Camper: How to Prevent Water Tank Contamination

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.

via The Autopian|

#cdc-report #health-and-safety #rv-water-tank

health8 months ago•1 min saved

Berks Closes South Campus Over Legionella Bacteria in Water

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.

via Reading Eagle|

#berks-county #health #legionella

health8 months ago•4 min saved

Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Nationwide Recalls and Caution

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.

via NBC News|

#agriculture #cucumbers #food-safety

health8 months ago•3 min saved

CDC links contaminated RV water to brain-eating amoeba death

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.

via Boing Boing|

#brain-eating-amoeba #cdc #health

disaster1 year ago•3 min saved

"Papua New Guinea Landslide: No Survivors Expected, 2,000 Feared Buried"

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.

via Reuters|

#death-toll #disaster #landslide

health1 year ago•2 min saved

"Experts Warn: Cryptosporidium Can Spread Through Asymptomatic Sexual Contact"

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.

via Daily Mail|

#cryptosporidium #health #public-health

environment1 year ago•3 min saved

"Identifying and Eliminating PFAS Hot Spots in the US"

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.

via Newsweek|

#environment #environmental-protection #forever-chemicals

health-and-environment1 year ago•4 min saved

"PFAS Contamination: Assessing the Impact on US Water Systems"

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.

via The News Journal|

#delaware #drinking-water #epa