Enjoy the Water but Be Safe

2009 National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week: Focus on Preventing Pool Chemical Injuries

Grays Harbor County, Division of Environmental Health – The week before Memorial Day (May 18–24, 2009) has been designated as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week. The goal of this observance is to raise awareness about healthy swimming behaviors, including ways to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and injuries. RWIs are illnesses spread by swallowing, breathing in vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, spas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. Injuries at aquatics facilities can occur in or out of the water.

This year’s RWI Prevention Week theme: pool chemical injuries

The theme for this year’s RWI Prevention Week focuses on injuries associated with pool chemicals. Pool chemicals make the water where we swim safer by protecting us from germs; however, these same chemicals can also cause injuries if they are not properly handled. This type of preventable injury leads to thousands of emergency room visits each year. Public pool operators and residential pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by taking these key steps:

· ALWAYS secure pool chemicals: Keep children and animals away.

· ALWAYS read product name and manufacturer’s directions before each use.

· ALWAYS use appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when handling pool chemicals.

· NEVER mix chlorine products with each other, acid, or other substances.

To access a complete set of prevention recommendations, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/pool_chem_assoc_inj.pdf.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the first place. Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these six healthy swimming steps:

• PLEASE don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• PLEASE don’t swallow pool water.
• PLEASE practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• PLEASE wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

For more information about healthy swimming, visit:

· [State] Healthy Swimming website at [state healthy swimming website URL] or www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/state.htm

· CDC’s Healthy Swimming website at www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming

· The Environmental Protection Agency’s beaches website www.epa.gov/beaches

Eric B. Khambatta
Environmental Health Specialist II
Grays Harbor County Department of Public Services
Environmental Health Division
100 W Broadway, Suite 31
Montesano WA 98563
Ph: 360.249.4413
Fax:360.249.3203

National Ground Water Awareness Week March 8-14, 2009

Just as periodic checks of furnaces and smoke detectors are recommended, so is an annual water well checkup. Spring is a good time to have this done before the peak water-use season begins. As part of its annual Ground Water Awareness Week promotion, NGWA stresses the importance of yearly water testing and well maintenance.

Not only do about 12 million households nationwide rely on private wells for their water supply, many community water systems rely on ground water in whole or part to meet water demands, and ground water supplies much of our nation’s water for agricultural irrigation. Ground water makes up about 95 percent of all available fresh water.

Everyone can easily become good stewards by protecting ground water through the proper storage, use, and disposal of hazardous household substances. These include common products such as gasoline and oil, paints and paint thinner, fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides, and cleaning products.

Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually?

• An annual checkup by a water well driller, water treatment specialist or pump professional is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water.
• Preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance.
• Good well maintenance, like good car maintenance, can prolong the life of your well and related equipment.

At the very least have make sure your water has been tested for bacteriological quality within the last 12 months. For information on local testing options please contact Grays Harbor County Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.

Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter:

Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak

Please vist the link below to learn more about this recent outbreak. As always if you have questions or concerns feel free to contact the Environmental Health Food Safety Program at 360-249-4413.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/salmonellaoutbreak.html