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Assessment of exposures to fecally-contaminated recreational water
Citation:
WADE, T. J., A. P. DUFOUR, AND E. A. SAMS. Assessment of exposures to fecally-contaminated recreational water. Presented at International Society of Exposure Science (ISES), Minneapolis, MN, November 01 - 05, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
Results can provide insight into potentially susceptible populations and can inform quantitative risk assessments.
Description:
Exposure to fecally-contaminated recreational waters can pose a health risk to swimmers and other recreators. Since 2003, we have interviewed nearly 27,000 respondents at seven beaches impacted by treated sewage discharge. Information was collected about the duration and exposure to water, including whether water was swallowed. This analysis summarizes and quantifies these and other exposures (such as contact with sand and algae) especially with regard to available demographic characteristics. Across the seven beaches, 9% ofrespondents reported swallowing water. Young children were much more likely to report swallowing water. Twenty-five percent ofthose 5 years of age and under and 26% of those 6 to 10 years of age reporting swallowing water, compared to only 2% of those over 55,4% of those 20-55 years of age, and 9% of those 10-19 years of age. Males were also more likely to swallow water (11%) than females (7%). Fewer Asian and white respondents reported swallowing water (6% and 8%, respectively) than African American (12%), Hispanic (12%), and multi-ethnic (18%) respondents. Among those who reported contact with water, the average time in the water was 56 minutes, with those 6-10 years of age reporting the longest mean contact time of 87 minutes. Males also reported spending longer in the water on average (61 minutes) than females (52 minutes). These results indicate that an extended duration of exposure to water and swallowing water are both prevalent, particularly among children. Differences in exposure gradient are also evident by race and sex. These results can provide insight into potentially susceptible populations and can inform quantitative risk assessments. This abstract does not necessarily reflect U.S. EPA policy.