In a nutshell… The Water Quality & Health Council has acted as an outside technical advisory group to the American Chemistry Council’s Chlorine Chemistry Division for the past 29 years. For the last nine of these, we have posted a weekly Perspectives article on public health topics ranging from waterborne illness trends, to the chemistry
In a nutshell… The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for universal access to safely managed drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Acutely aware of a lack of progress toward achieving the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pre-pandemic, and new impediments resulting from the pandemic, innovative projects around the globe can help inspire
In a nutshell… This article discusses Naegleria fowleri risk and prevention in water. These free-living amoebas can thrive in warm freshwaters such as lakes and sometimes inadequately treated, warm household (e.g., drinking, bathing) water. Entry of contaminated water through the nose—not by swallowing—can lead to a fatal brain infection. Only a handful of cases are
In a nutshell… Many Halloween celebrations will be modified this year to include precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Depending on your county disease risk level and local restrictions, holiday activities can be selected that are appropriate without raising the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. How are your fall and winter
In a nutshell… This article reviews data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that show increasing numbers of phone calls to US poison centers during the current coronavirus pandemic. The CDC notes these calls could be linked to cleaning and disinfecting in the household to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In a nutshell… This article provides a comparison of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and influenza including how the diseases spread and affect human populations. Many of the steps people can take to avoid these illnesses are similar and are outlined here. This man is correct in covering his sneeze, as both the influenza virus
In a nutshell… This article provides an update on the coronavirus outbreak that began in central China at the end of 2019 and is currently sweeping the globe. Information on the “2019 Novel Coronavirus” is provided, including its likely animal origin, symptoms, how it is spread, and most importantly, how to help prevent its spread.
In a nutshell… Holiday gatherings are prime locations for “re-gifting” germs. A free, downloadable Cover Your Cough coloring page from the CDC illustrates strategies to prevent the spread of germs. Children may color the germ prevention page and learn to cover coughs and sneezes and to wash their hands correctly. This article provides directions for
In a nutshell… The “12 Ways to Health” is a song that promotes a dozen strategies for staying healthy during the holidays. It is a production of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and sung to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “Ways to health” include hand-washing, bundling up for warmth, managing
Can drinking a chlorine dioxide bleach solution cure children of autism? There is no evidence that it can. Parents of autistic children, however, are being targeted by deceptive online ads for “Miracle Mineral Solution,” “Master Mineral Solution,” and similar products marketed with false claims of curing autism. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recent warning about these products, noting that ingesting them has made consumers sick and can even lead to death.