Harvey floodwaters carry high levels of E coli, toxins

Precautions needed when returning to flooded buildings, public health experts said


Tests have shown that floodwaters in two Houston areas have been contaminated with bacteria and toxins, according to an article on The New York Times website.

It is not clear how far the toxic waters have spread, but there have been breaches at numerous waste treatment plants.

Water flowing down Briarhills Parkway in the Houston Energy Corridor contained Escherichia coli, a measure of fecal contamination, at a level more than four times that considered safe.

The E.P.A. and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have expressed concern about toxic floodwaters, but have not made public the results of sampling they may have done.

Read the article.

 

 



September 18, 2017


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

How Efficiency Checklists Help Hospitals Save Energy, Water and Money

Keith Edgerton explains how a simple, systematic tool can help healthcare facilities identify savings, support sustainability goals and reinvest in long-term decarbonization.


Designing with Heart: Seen Health Center Blends Cultural Warmth and Clinical Care

Case study: The Alhambra-based facility uses Wilsonart Woodgrains to create a space where comfort, tradition and durability come together for an elevated senior care experience.


Rutgers Health and University Hospital Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion

The groundbreaking follows the long-awaited demolition of administrative offices built in the 1970s.


What to Consider When Modernizing Healthcare Facilities

While there has been a call to preserve old buildings, healthcare facilities need to weigh the options of patient care.


Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital to Build New Tower

The tower is expected to be completed in 2030.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.