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Highlights:
- Biological testing: total coliforms and E. coli
- Chemical testing
- Additional information
Biological testing: total coliforms and E. coli
EPA, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, is collecting and analyzing biological pathogen data. Flood water sampling data for biological pathogens from Sept. 3 on are being posted as they become available. To date, E. coli levels remain greatly elevated and are much higher than EPA’s recommended levels for contact. Based on sampling results, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of an open wound, and should see a doctor right away if possible.
More information about fecal coliform and E. coli
Test results
Biological testing Sep. 3-10, 2005
Chemical testing
EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Flood water sampling data for chemicals are being posted from September 3, 2005 on as they become available. The data has been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure scientific accuracy.
Test results
Flood water results for September 14, 2005 indicate that hexavalent chromium was found in twelve samples and that arsenic was found in one sample slightly above the drinking water action level. However ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels during response activities are not expected to cause adverse health effects. Phenol and cresols were also detected. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water, as long as there is no inadvertent ingestion (e.g.,from splashing).
Flood water results for September 13, 2005 indicate that hexavalent chromium was found in twelve samples and one sample contained cadium and lead at levels above the drinking water action levels, however ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels during response activities are not expected to cause adverse health effects. Arsenic was found in four samples at levels that slightly exceeded the drinking water action level. Trace levels of organic acids, phenol, cresols, and metals associated with salt water were also detected. EPA and CDC do not feel there is ingestion exposure to flood water, as long as there is no inadvertent ingestion (e.g., from splashing).
Floodwater results for September 12, 2005 indicate that hexavalent chromium is present, however according to ATSDR/CDC's calculations the exposures at these levels in flood waters during response activities would not be expected to cause adverse health effects. Selenium and lead were detected at levels greater than the drinking water MCLs. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water, as long as there is no inadvertent ingestion (e.g., from splashing).
Floodwater results for September 11, 2005 indicate that hexavalent chromium is present but not at levels that would pose a risk to human pose a public health concern. Total chromium was also detected but at levels below the drinking water MCL. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water and therefore do not believe there is a public health concern associated with these chemicals.
Floodwater results for September 10, 2005 indicate that one sample contained lead at a concentration above the drinking water action level. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water and therefore do not believe there is a public health concern associated with lead. Hexavalent chromium was detected in five samples, but not at levels that would pose a risk to human health as flood water is not being ingested as drinking water. Trace levels of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyaceticacid (an herbicide) were detected in some samples but are not of public health concern.
Floodwater results for September 9, 2005 indicate that one sample contained lead at a concentration above the drinking water action level. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water and therefore do not believe there is a public health concern associated with lead. Hexavalent chromium was detected in nine samples but not at levels that would pose a public health concern as flood water is not being ingested as drinking water.
Floodwater results for September 8, 2005 indicate that fourteen samples contained lead above the drinking water action level. Hexavalent chromium and total chromium were detected in most of the samples. One sample contained benzidine. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water and therefore do not believe there is a public health concern associated with these chemicals in the flood water.
Floodwater results for September 7, 2005 indicate that three samples contained lead above the drinking water action level, twelve samples contained arsenic at levels above the drinking water MCL, and one sample contained benzene, likely associated with petroleum products, above the drinking water MCL. EPA and CDC do not feel that there is ingestion exposure to flood water and therefore do not believe there is a public health concern associated with these chemicals. Hexavalent chromium and total chromium were detected in most of the samples but not at levels that would pose a public health concern as flood water is not being ingested as drinking water. Trace amounts of cresols were also detected, but not at unsafe levels.
Floodwater results for September 6, 2005: Arsenic and lead were detected at levels which exceed EPA drinking water standards. These compounds would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) to arsenic would be required before health effects would be a concern. Hexavalent chromium was detected, but not at levels exceeding EPA drinking water standards. Thallium was detected at one sampling location and while levels are slightly elevated, they are 10 times lower than levels at which there would be a health effect.
Floodwater results for September 5, 2005: Results from the chemical analyses of the data collected did not reveal any contaminants that exceeded EPA drinking water standards. Minerals commonly found in sea water along with trace levels of organic acids, phenols, and sulfur chemicals were detected.
Floodwater results for September 4, 2005: Lead was detected at levels which exceed EPA drinking water standards. Lead would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day.
Floodwater results for September 3, 2005: Lead was detected at levels which exceed EPA drinking water standards. Lead would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day.
Additional information
Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site.