Tag

Water Contamination

All articles tagged with #water contamination

Six More Bodies Recovered After Washington Paper Mill Tank Collapse
us-news2 days ago

Six More Bodies Recovered After Washington Paper Mill Tank Collapse

Six of the nine missing workers were recovered after a chemical tank ruptured at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.’s Longview pulp-and-paper mill, bringing the death toll to 11. Recovery work is hampered by industrial hazards like exposed wiring and collapsed structures. Environmental officials are managing a spill of white liquor toward ditch systems feeding a nearby water source, with water testing showing the Columbia River remains safe for now and a flushing plan in place. The mill is shut down with limited staffing, and some workers are being paid during the disruption.

Mountain View water outage persists after cement slurry contaminates main
local28 days ago

Mountain View water outage persists after cement slurry contaminates main

A Mountain View neighborhood has been without safe drinking water for about a week after a contractor working on a water main let cement slurry contaminate the line with coliform bacteria. About 70 homes and roughly 170 residents are affected. City crews are flushing pipes, inspecting mains, and delivering water or housing to impacted residents, with a neighborhood meeting planned as the restoration effort continues.

Tiny plastics in bottled water exceed prior estimates, study finds
science3 months ago

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).

Private wells across the U.S. tainted by PFAS “forever chemicals” go undetected
climate3 months ago

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.

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases in Florida and Surrounding Areas
health10 months ago

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.

Protect Your Camper: How to Prevent Water Tank Contamination
health-and-safety11 months ago

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.

"Papua New Guinea Landslide: No Survivors Expected, 2,000 Feared Buried"
disaster2 years ago

"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.

"Experts Warn: Cryptosporidium Can Spread Through Asymptomatic Sexual Contact"
health2 years ago

"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.