Researchers concluded their findings by sampling the air in Imperial Beach between January and May 2019. They found aerosols from the ocean waves that contained bacteria and other contaminants present in the Tijuana River.
“We’ve shown that up to three-quarters of the bacteria that you breathe in at Imperial Beach are coming from aerosolization of raw sewage in the surf zone,” said Kim Prather, a Scripps Institution of Oceanography researcher who studies aerosols. “People worry about swimming and surfing in it, but not about breathing it in, even though the aerosols can travel long distances and expose many more people than those just at the beach or in the water.
Researchers are still trying to determine whether the airborne bacteria poses a health threat like the bacteria does when it is in the water. There are research projects in the works that will track hospital admissions, and teams plan to regularly swab lifeguards, surfers and residents who live near the beach to get a better understanding of the impacts of the airborne pollution.
If there are health risks, it may lead to warnings about air quality when the weather churns up a lot of sea spray.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach take steps to block spring break mayhemRaise a toast to spring break 2023 if you want, just don’t do it on public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Both coastal cities have renewed measures implemented in recent years to make their beaches less hospitable to unruly gatherings. Details:
Read more »
Imperial Beach school placed on lockdown after unsubstantiated threat of gun on campusImperial Beach Charter Elementary school was put on lockdown at about 10:35 a.m. after staff were informed of a student claiming to have a handgun on campus Tuesday.
Read more »
Bay Area hotel market wobbles in San Jose, San Francisco, OaklandFresh and ominous signs have emerged that hint at a wobbly Bay Area hotel market.
Read more »
How much snow fell in New York City, New York, New Jersey, and ConnecticutOur first significant winter storm of the season produced a wide range of snow accumulations across the Tri-State area.
Read more »
U.S. Champ Erika Kemp Prepares for Marathon Debut With New Sponsor, New Coach, New Training GroupShe’s signed with Brooks, she’ll be training with Marielle Hall and Molly Huddle, and she’s ready to run Boston.
Read more »