Over 250 people in central Ohio and over 100 in Arizona have been sickened in summer outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium, or “Crypto.” These parasites are found throughout the US and abroad, and settle in the intestines of infected humans and animals, making Crypto one of the most
Each summer, parents of toddlers and young children delight in introducing their offspring to the kiddie pool. With its shallow water, plastic pails and inflatable toys, the kiddie pool is a haven of fun, discovery and social interaction for the youngest pool patrons. Spending time in the kiddie pool to acclimate a toddler to the
Much has been written about Flint, Michigan’s lead-contaminated drinking water, but we should not overlook another health risk associated with Flint in the recent past, and that is the possibility of Legionella bacteria in the city’s drinking water. The unchecked corrosivity of Flint’s drinking water may have led to more than one serious water quality
The recent lead in drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan raises questions about the role of water distribution infrastructure in altering the quality of water delivered to consumers. In Flint, lead was leached from the water distribution system after the city changed from the Detroit Water System, which takes water from Lake Huron, to the
Summer’s nearly over and many backyard swimming pool owners will soon undertake their annual “pool draining ritual.” Draining the water helps prevent damage to pools in geographic areas subject to freeze-thaw cycles. This article provides information to help you drain your pool responsibly. What’s the Big Deal? It’s easy enough to fill your pool with
This summer North America is once again experiencing a “seasonal epidemic” of West Nile virus that is expected to last through the fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the mosquito-borne virus has been reported in 42 US states as of August 11, 2015. Fortunately, most people who are infected
We recently completed our annual Healthy Pools “radio media tour” of 23 radio stations across the US, during which we dispelled common swimming pool myths and promoted tips on staying healthy in the pool this summer. Here are some highlights from the tour: Myth: There is a dye that is used to identify swimmers who
The equivalent of 15 semi-truckloads of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream was recalled earlier this year due to possible contamination with Listeria bacteria. The recall cost the company $2.5 million, but it was the right response. Another ice cream producer, Blue Bell Creameries, recalled all of its products made at all of its facilities after Listeria
World Water Day, March 22, is an annual celebration of one of humanity’s most precious resources—the chemical compound dihydrogen oxide, more commonly known as water, or, “H2O,” the medium of life on the Blue Planet. Twenty-two years ago, the United Nations General Assembly instituted this annual celebration, and each has a particular theme. This year’s
The identification of the “brain-eating amoeba,” Naegleria fowleri, in some Louisiana drinking water and three tragic deaths from this organism since 2011 has prompted an aggressive response to rid state water systems of the amoeba. This article examines the strategy being used to combat Naegleria in Louisiana, and reinforces the importance of staying the present