Healthy Communities

Healthy Community Design

Community design directly affects your health. Choose to live in communities that encourage physical activity as part of your daily routine. Join with your neighbors to make your community as healthy as possible.

The way we design and build our communities can affect our physical and mental health.

In the last fifty or sixty years, a new design for communities has become typical in many parts of our country. It's a pattern called "urban sprawl" and is based on the ready supply of automobiles. Some features of urban sprawl include:

• Low density land use where people live on large tracts of land
• Low land use mix so that homes are spread apart from workplaces, recreation or schools, making the distances that people have to travel longer than ever before
• Separate communities
• More dependence on the automobile
• Fewer sidewalks and bike paths

These features of urban sprawl present us with some advantages but also many challenges to our health and well-being. They include:

• More driving and less physical activity
• More air pollutants from automobiles
• More injuries from car crashes and pedestrian accidents
• Less sense of community
• Less contact with nature
• More greenhouse gases contributing to climate change

All of these features of community design can affect our health in many ways.  They can even increase the risk of some of the most common and stubborn disease that we face:  heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer and others. That calls on us to design the healthiest and most wholesome communities we can as a way of protecting public health. A set of principles known as "smart growth," "traditional neighborhood design," or "new urbanism" promotes not only livability, but also healthy places to live. These principles include:

• Mixed land use and more land density to shorten distances between homes, workplaces, schools and recreation
• Transportation alternatives including bicycle trails, sidewalks and mass transit
• Affordable housing so that people of all income levels can afford to live in healthy communities
• Community centers where people can shop, run errands, go to church and gather together
• Greenspace and parks to provide more opportunities for contact with nature.

 If we understand that community design directly affects our health, then we need to take steps to make our communities as healthy as possible. The very same changes that make communities more livable are also environmentally sound and healthy and make good economic sense. We are seeing change around the country. In more and more cities, people who want to live healthy lifestyles or who are simply fed up with commutes are choosing instead to live in compact walkable communities.

Designing and building healthy communities can improve the quality of life for all people who live, work, worship, learn, and play within their borders—where every person is free to make choices amid a variety of healthy, available, accessible and affordable options.

 CDC

Bats and Disease

Take Caution When Bats Are Near

Bats play an important role in our ecosystem. However, they are also associated with diseases deadly to humans. Learn how you can stay safe when bats are near.

Diseases Spread by Bats

Several highly fatal diseases have been linked to bats.

Rabies is perhaps the most well known disease associated with bats. Along with animals such as dogs, foxes, raccoons, and skunks, bats are one of the primary animals that transmit rabies.

An exposure to rabies most commonly occurs when a person is bitten by a rabid animal. It can also be transmitted when the saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with a person’s mouth, eyes, nose, or a fresh wound.

When a person is exposed to rabies, timely administration of a vaccine known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent infection. Once a person becomes infected and symptoms begin to occur, rabies is almost always fatal. Each year in the United States, up to 30,000 persons receive PEP due to potential exposure to a rabid animal, including bats.

Histoplasmosis is another disease associated with bats. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected. When this happens it can be fatal if untreated.

In addition, Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus that grows in soil and material contaminated with droppings from animals, including bats. Droppings, also known as bat guano, can contaminate the soil and cause infectious spores to be released when the soil is disturbed.

Even though it can be found throughout the world, it is widespread in certain areas of the U.S. and can be found in places that harbor large populations of bats, including caves.

While most infected persons have no apparent ill effects, antifungal medications are used to treat many forms of the disease.

Bats and Diseases around the World

Even though rabies and histoplasmosis can be found all over the world, some diseases associated with bats are found exclusively in certain regions of the world. Notably, research suggests that bats might be the source of several hemorrhagic fevers, which affect multiple organ systems in the body and often lead to life-threatening diseases.

One of these diseases is Marburg hemorrhagic fever, which is found exclusively in Africa. Past outbreaks have shown that Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever kills up to 90% of those infected.

While the natural host had for years been unknown, new research suggests that fruit bats are a natural source of this virus, and the virus has been isolated repetitively from fruit bats in Uganda.

The same may be true for Ebola hemorraghic fever. The virus that causes this disease is often referred to as the "cousin" of Marburg virus, since they are the only distinct viruses that belong to a group of viruses known as filoviruses. Like Marburg, Ebola is highly fatal and is found mostly in Africa. Recent studies indicate that, as with Marburg, bats are likely to be a natural source of this virus, although no Ebola virus has been isolated from bats.

Two other viruses – Nipah (which causes Nipah virus encephalitis) and Hendra (which causes Hendra virus disease) – are also associated with bats. Research suggests that Hendra virus is associated with fruit bats (commonly called flying foxes) in Australia. Nipah and related viruses are also associated with the same group of bats in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, although outbreaks of disease in humans have so far been limited to Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Bangladesh. Both viruses can cause severe respiratory and neurologic disease in humans.

Another group of viruses known as coronaviruses have been detected in multiple species of bats. Coronavirus infection can sometimes cause mild respiratory illness in humans, but these viruses were also implicated in the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Southeast Asia. While bats do not carry or transmit SARS, research has linked coronaviruses to bats in countries all over the world.

In addition, Lyssaviruses have been discovered on every inhabited continent. This group of viruses causes rabies, in addition to other diseases that can be fatal to humans. While current rabies vaccines are effective against many of the viruses in this group, several Lyssaviruses identified in Africa and Asia primarily associated with bats cannot be prevented with current rabies vaccines.

Further studies may shed light on the role of bats as the source of these viruses and their ability to transmit diseases caused by these viruses to humans.

Stay Alert in Areas where Bats are Found

Many bats rely on cave roosts and are often found in groupings that can number in the millions. Cave explorers, spelunkers, divers, and others whose activities take them into or around caves should exercise caution when in these environments.

Make sure be on the lookout for bats, which often roost or hibernate at high points within caves. It is also important to avoid being near or coming into contact with bat droppings. When possible, avoid entering caves that are known to contain populations of bats.

In addition, it might be a good idea to bring a flashlight into the cave to help better identify the presence of bats or other animals. If bats are present in the immediate area, consider leaving the cave or moving to an area of the cave where there are no bats.

Some bats also roost in tree cavities or foliage, and might be spotted in areas where outdoor activities take place, such as hiking or camping. While there have been instances of humans exposed to rabid bats , most bats in a natural setting are not rabid and, in many outdoor situations, the presence or sighting of bats is common and normal.

However, precautions can be taken at outdoor locales to help minimize the risk of exposure to bats and their excretions:

• When possible, prevent bats from entering outdoor living quarters and other occupied spaces. Consider "bat-proofing" your living space.
• Screens or mosquito netting can provide a useful barrier against direct bat contact.
• Teach children to never to handle live or dead bats, as well as any unfamiliar wild or domestic animals (even if they appear friendly). Tell them to report any contact or unusual animal behavior to an adult right away.
• In some settings, materials contaminated with bat droppings may have to be disposed of or decontaminated. In these situations, local and state authorities can provide more information on the requirements for the removal, transportation, and disposal of contaminated material. Clean-up of areas contaminated with bat droppings should not be attempted by non-trained personnel, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirator, mask, gown, and gloves, should be worn by anyone handling the potentially infectious material.

Take Steps to Keep Bats Out of Your Home

Some bats live in buildings, and may continue to do so with little risk to inhabitants if they are unable to access living areas and the potential for contact with people is low.

However, bats should always be prevented from entering rooms of your home. As noted above, "bat proofing" your home or living quarters can prevent bats from using a home for a roosting site. For best results, contact an animal control or wildlife conservation agency and ask for assistance.

If you choose to do the "bat-proofing" yourself, here are some suggestions:

• Carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry into your living quarters.
• Any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch should be caulked.
• Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics.
• Fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking. Ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.
• Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate, so these are the best times to "bat-proof" your home. During summer, many young bats are unable to fly. If you exclude adult bats during this time, the young may be trapped inside.

Safely Capture Bats and Dispose of Dead Bats

If a bat is present in your home, contact an animal-control or public health agency for assistance. It may be important to capture the bat for rabies testing, especially if a potential bite or exposure has occurred. Sometimes, professional help may be unavailable. In such cases, use precautions to capture the bat safely, as described below.

To begin, you will need:

• leather work gloves (put them on)
• small box or coffee can
• piece of cardboard
• tape

The steps you should take to capture the bat are:

• When the bat lands, approach it slowly, while wearing the gloves, and place the box or coffee can over it.
• Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
• Tape the cardboard to the container securely, and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to breathe.

When no potential exposure has occurred, the bat can be safely released outside. If a bite or exposure to saliva (e.g., into a person’s mouth, eyes, or a fresh wound) has occurred, your health department or animal-control authority should be contacted to make arrangements for rabies testing.

If you come across a dead bat, call animal control services to see if they can safely remove the animal. In some instances, such services might not be immediately available. Under these circumstances, follow the below steps to safely discard the dead bat.

• Get a cardboard box or Tupperware container
• Place it over the bat
• Slide a cardboard or plastic lid under the box/container so that the bat is confined within.
• Remove it from the area until animal control services can arrive to safely dispose of the bat.

Treatment After a Potential Exposure

While bites are a common way for diseases to be spread from bats to humans, exposure to saliva and other secretions can also lead to infection.

If you are bitten or saliva from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or wounds, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately.

Bats have small teeth that may leave marks not easily seen (see picture). Although many people know if they have been bitten by a bat, there are certain circumstances when a person might not be aware or able to tell if a bite has occurred. For example:

• If a person awakes to find a bat in the room
• If you find a bat in a room with an unattended child
• If you see a bat near a person with a disability

If the above occurs, get immediate medical attention. In all circumstances, contact local or state health departments for assistance with medical advice and testing bats for rabies. When it cannot be ruled out that the bat is free from rabies and an exposure has occured, (PEP) may need to be considered.

When bat droppings, saliva, or other secretions are believed to be nearby, closely monitor your health, especially any fever, chills, headache, or muscle pain.

If these symptoms appear after being in an area when bats might have been nearby, seek medical attention and be sure to note your presence in these areas. Be sure to also note any travel that has recently taken place, especially to African countries. This is especially important if it has been less than a month since a potential exposure to bats.

Living Safely With Bats

Even though bats sometimes spread diseases to people, they are able to peacefully co-exist with humans and provide us with many benefits.

Worldwide, bats are a major predator of night-flying insects, including pests that cost farmers billions of dollars annually. Throughout the tropics, seed dispersal and pollination activities by bats are vital to rain forest survival. In addition, studies of bats have contributed to medical advances including the development of navigational aids for the blind. Unfortunately, many local populations of bats have been destroyed and many species are now endangered.

The best protection we can offer these unique animals is to learn more about their habits and recognize the value of living safely with them.

CDC

Tips to Prevent Lead Poisoning

Prevention Tips

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead.

The goal is to prevent lead exposure to children before they are harmed. There are many ways parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead. Lead hazards in a child’s environment must be identified and controlled or removed safely.

How are children exposed to lead?

Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the main sources of exposure for lead in U.S. children. Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978. All houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes a problem. Approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust. More than 4 million of these dwellings are homes to one or more young children.

Who is at risk?

All children under the age of 6 years old are at risk because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths.

However, children living at or below the poverty line who live in older housing are at greatest risk. Additionally, children of some racial and ethnic groups and those living in older housing are disproportionately affected by lead.

What can be done to prevent exposure to lead?

It is important to determine the construction year of the house or the dwelling where your child may spend a large amount of time (e.g., grandparents or daycare). In housing built before 1978, assume that the paint has lead unless tests show otherwise.

• Talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead.
• Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.
• Pregnant women and children should not be present in housing built before 1978 that is undergoing renovation. They should not participate in activities that disturb old paint or in cleaning up paint debris after work is completed.
• Create barriers between living/play areas and lead sources. Until environmental clean-up is completed, parents should clean and isolate all sources of lead. They should close and lock doors to keep children away from chipping or peeling paint on walls. You can also apply temporary barriers such as contact paper or duct tape, to cover holes in walls or to block children’s access to other sources of lead.
• Regularly wash children’s hands and toys. Hands and toys can become contaminated from household dust or exterior soil. Both are known lead sources.
• Regularly wet-mop floors and wet-wipe window components. Because household dust is a major source of lead, parents should wet-mop floors and wet-wipe horizontal surfaces every 2-3 weeks. Windowsills and wells can contain high levels of leaded dust. They should be kept clean. If feasible, windows should be shut to prevent abrasion of painted surfaces or opened from the top sash.
• Prevent children from playing in bare soil; if possible, provide them with sandboxes. Parents should plant grass on areas of bare soil or cover the soil with grass seed, mulch, or wood chips, if possible. Until the bare soil is covered, parents should move play areas away from bare soil and away from the sides of the house. If using a sandbox, parents should also cover the box when not in use to prevent cats from using it as a litter box. That will help protect children from exposure to animal waste.

To further reduce a child’s exposure from non-residential paint sources:

• avoid using traditional home remedies and cosmetics that may contain lead;
• avoid eating candies imported from Mexico;
• avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware to store or cook foods or liquids that are not shown to be lead free;
• remove recalled toys and toy jewelry immediately from children. Check Lead Recalls lists.
• use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula (Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. Most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply.);
• shower and change clothes after finishing a task that involves working with lead-based products such as stain glass work, bullet making, or using a firing range.

CDC

Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure:

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
• Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
• Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.
• Don't heat your house with a gas oven.

CDC

Some Allergy Sufferers Can Skip the Sneezing Season

SATURDAY, March 27 (HealthDay News) — People who sneeze and wheeze all spring long may be making some common mistakes that make it difficult for them to keep their allergies under control, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Before the allergy season kicks into high gear, consider these tips to prevent symptoms:

• Don't assume you know exactly what you are allergic to. More than two-thirds of people who think their allergies only occur during the spring season actually have year-round allergies. An allergist can pinpoint the source of your allergic reaction and recommend the right treatment.
• Don't buy over-the-counter medications that don't alleviate allergy symptoms. Consult an allergist to determine which treatment options are best for you. Immunotherapy using nasal spray or shots may even cure allergies permanently.
• Don't wait until symptoms start to take allergy medications. Before the spring allergy season starts, begin taking a medication that's worked for you in the past.
• Take steps to avoid allergy triggers. Experts suggest that if you are allergic to pollen, keep your windows closed, take a shower after being outside and avoid going out in the middle of the day when pollen counts are highest.
• If raw or fresh fruits or other foods aggravate your allergy symptoms — making you sniffle and sneeze and your mouth, lips and throat get itchy — you may have oral allergy syndrome. This condition affects about one-third of seasonal allergy sufferers. While cooking or peeling these foods may help, it is wise to consult an allergist.

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, news release, March 16, 2010

MedlinePlus

What is gum disease?

Tuberculosis Awareness

TB Elimination: Together We Can!

World TB Day is March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Among infectious diseases, TB remains a leading killer of adults in the world, with an estimated 2 million TB-related deaths worldwide each year.

Working Together to Eliminate TB

"Although preventable and treatable, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) together kill more than 5 million people annually. The burden of these diseases can be reduced—but only with increased governmental and nongovernmental resources, effective public-private partnerships, and strengthened disease-specific and general health systems."

(Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)

Many people think that TB is a disease of the past — an illness that no longer threatens us today. One reason for this belief is that, in the United States, we are at an all-time low in the number of persons diagnosed with active TB disease. That very success makes us vulnerable to complacency and neglect. But it also gives us an opportunity to eliminate TB in this country. We can reach the goal of TB elimination by working together and strengthening partnerships.

This country's progress in controlling TB will only be sustainable if local, state, national, and international partners from all sectors of our society join resources and collaborate together. Our united effort is needed to reach those at highest risk for TB, and to identify and implement innovative strategies to improve testing and treatment among high-risk populations. CDC and its domestic and international partners, including the National TB Controllers Association , Stop TB USA , and the global Stop TB Partnership , are taking many steps to prevent further spread of TB and to reduce the overall burden of the disease. Efforts range from developing new treatment regimens and increasing the capacity of health professionals to provide adequate treatment, to issuing new recommendations for improved testing and treatment.

What Can You Do?

Learn about TB. Because many people are not aware of the impact of TB, local TB coalitions in many states and countries are convening educational and awareness activities related to World TB Day. Look to see how you can learn more and get involved.

World TB Day 2010 — Activities

Send a World TB Day e-Card to someone you know to increase awareness of this important day.

Until TB is eliminated, World TB Day won't be a celebration. But it is a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the devastation of TB and how it can be stopped.

CDC

Mold

After natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your family.

People at Greatest Risk from Mold

People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression (such as people with HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy, and people who have received an organ transplant) are more susceptible to mold infections.

Possible Health Effects of Mold Exposure

People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

Recognizing Mold

You may recognize mold by:

• Sight (Are the walls and ceiling discolored, or do they show signs of mold growth or water damage?)

Smell (Do you smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench?)

Safely Preventing Mold Growth

Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Use fans to dry out the building. (See the fact sheet for drying out your house, Reentering Your Flooded Home).

When in doubt, take it out! Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home. Porous, noncleanable items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, some clothing, leather, paper, wood, and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold may cause allergic reactions in some people.

To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water.

Homeowners may want to temporarily store items outside of the home until insurance claims can be filed.

If you wish to disinfect, refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document, A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home.

If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix any water problem, such as leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing. Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor for preventing mold growth.

To remove mold growth from hard surfaces use commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete.

If you choose to use bleach to remove mold:

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes

Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.

Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.

If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings . Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

If you plan to be inside the building for a while or you plan to clean up mold, you should buy an N95 mask at your local home supply store and wear it while in the building. Make certain that you follow instructions on the package for fitting the mask tightly to your face. If you go back into the building for a short time and are not cleaning up mold, you do not need to wear an N95 mask.

CDC

Preventing Accidental Poisoning

Stay Safe During Poison Prevention Week

In 2006, 75 people died every day from unintentional poisoning – and the number of deaths has been increasing. Learn how to reduce your— or a loved one's— risk.

The Poison Prevention Week Council has designated March 14-20, 2010 as Poison Prevention Week. This observance is focused on raising awareness about unintentional poisoning—a serious and often unrecognized problem.

Any substance, including medications, can be poisonous if too much is taken. When the person taking or giving a substance did not mean to cause harm, this is an unintentional poisoning.

What You Should Know

• In 2006, a total of 27,531 people in the United States died from unintentional poisoning.
• In 2008, more than 2,000 people a day— a total of 732,316— were seen in emergency departments after a poisoning incident.
• Unintentional poisoning deaths are on the rise. Poisoning death rates in the United States increased by 63% from 1999 to 2004.
• 96% of unintentional poisoning deaths are a result of drug poisoning—and more than half of them are due to prescription drugs.
• An estimated 71,000 children (18 years old and younger) are seen in emergency departments each year because of medication poisonings (excluding recreational drug use). Over 80% were because an unsupervised child found and consumed

What You Can Do

Keep yourself and others safe from unintentional poisoning

• Follow directions on labels when you give or take medicines. Some medicines cannot be taken safely with other medications or with alcohol.
• To avoid drug interactions, check with your doctor if you are taking more than one prescription medication at a time.
• Keep medicines in their original bottles or containers.
• Never share or sell your prescription drugs to others, including family members.
• Keep all pain medications, such as methadone, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, in a safe place only reachable by people for whom use is prescribed.
• Monitor the use of medicines for children and teenagers, such as medicines for attention deficit disorder, or ADD, and cold and cough medications.
• Follow federal guidelines for disposal of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs.

Protect children from poisoning

• Keep medicines and toxic products, such as cleaning solutions, in locked or childproof cabinets.
• Put the nationwide poison control center phone number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every telephone in your home. You should also program it into your cellular phone. Call poison control if you think a child has been poisoned and if they are awake and alert. Call 911 if you have a poison emergency and your child has collapsed or is not breathing.
• Follow label directions and read all warnings when giving medicines to children.
• Always secure the child safety cap and put medicine away immediately after you use it.

CDC

Ground Water Safety

Ground Water Awareness Week

Did you know that much of the water you use comes from the ground? National Ground Water Awareness Week highlights the importance of this water source and encourages well owners to properly maintain their wells. Learn more about ground water, the threats to its safety, and how to protect your own ground water sources.

Clean water is one of the world's most precious resources. People use water every day for a variety of reasons, such as drinking, bathing, recreation, agriculture, cooling, and industry. Although water plays an essential role in every person's life, many individuals are not aware that much of their water comes from the ground in the form of ground water.

National Ground Water Awareness Week, an annual observance sponsored by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), is March 7-13, 2010. The focus of this week is to stress the importance of yearly water testing and well maintenance. This year NGWA is asking people to pay particular attention to their well caps by proclaiming March 9th "National Inspect-Your-Well-Cap-Day" to encourage well owners to do this simple, yet essential, inspection.

Ground Water Contamination

Ground water is water that is located below the surface of the earth in spaces between rock and soil. Ground water supplies water to wells and springs and is a substantial source of water used in the United States. Thirty percent of all available freshwater comes from ground water, which supplies a significant amount of water to community water systems and private wells.

Protecting ground water sources from contamination is an important priority for countries throughout the world, including the United States. Most of the time, ground water sources in the United States are safe to use and not a cause for worry. However, ground water sources can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals that can lead to sickness and disease.

Ground water contaminants sometimes occur naturally in the environment (for example, arsenic and radon), but are more often the result of human activities. These activities include incorrect use of fertilizers and pesticides, poorly constructed or maintained septic systems, septic systems located too close to drinking water sources, improper disposal or storage of wastes, and chemical spills at industrial sites. From 1971 to 2006, 54% of reported drinking water outbreaks were due to the use of untreated ground water (31%) or ground water treatment deficiencies (23%). The most common pathogens identified in ground water outbreaks during this period included Shigella spp., hepatitis A virus, norovirus, Giardia intestinalis, Campylobacter spp, and Salmonella spp.

The presence of these contaminants in our drinking water can lead to health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people whose immune systems are compromised because of AIDS, chemotherapy, or transplant medications may be especially susceptible to illness from certain contaminants. Concerns for ground water contaminants have led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and individual states to develop new regulations to protect ground water in public systems (the Ground Water Rule).

Is your household in either of these categories?

Are you among the almost 90 million Americans who get their tap water from a community water system that uses ground water?

Seventy-eight percent of public water systems in the United States use ground water as their primary source, supplying drinking water to 30% of community water system users, or almost 90 million Americans (7). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets maximum concentration levels for many water pollutants and regulates drinking water quality in public water systems, including community water systems. You can find out more about your local drinking water quality and possible contaminants by viewing your consumer confidence report (CCR), which every utility company is required to provide to its customers.

Are you among the 15 million American households who have their own private wells?

An estimated 15 million American households get their water from private ground water wells, which are not subject to EPA regulations. Private ground water wells can provide safe, clean water. However, well water can also become contaminated, leading to illness. It is the responsibility of the well owner to maintain and treat their well, in order to ensure their water is safe from harmful contaminants.

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends these steps for private well owners:

Wells should be checked and tested ANNUALLY for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of certain contaminants, such as coliform bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and any other contaminants of local concern, such as arsenic and radon.

Inspect your well cap regularly. Your well cap protects against the entry of pollutants, such as runoff from pesticides, herbicides, soil erosion and street pollution, which constitute the majority of ground water contamination. Make sure the well cap is sealed tightly and look for cracks or evidence of tampering. Always use a qualified well systems contractor to fix any problems.

Well water should be tested more than once a year if there are recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness among household members or visitors and/or a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water.

All hazardous materials, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil, should be kept far away from your well.

When mixing chemicals, do not put the hose inside the mixing container as this can siphon chemicals into a household's water system.

Consult a professional contractor to verify that there is proper separation between your well, home, waste systems, and chemical storage facilities.

Make sure that the top of your well is at least one foot above the ground.

Once your well has reached its serviceable life (approximately 20 years), have a licensed or certified water well driller and pump installer decommission the existing well and construct a new one.

CDC

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