Provides information on waterborne problems
Contact: Jeff Grubbs 502-564-3350
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 11, 2007) – During Drinking Water Week, we are reminded of our contribution to safe drinking water, conservation and making water-responsible choices. Today we can turn on our faucets to get clean, safe water that we use for cooking, drinking and bathing. But some people with special medical needs – particularly those on dialysis and those at risk for infections – may need to take extra precaution and speak to their health care providers.
Doctors, nurses, local health officials and other health professionals play an important role in preventing waterborne illnesses. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have produced a continuing-education video to help health care professionals recognize, report and prevent waterborne illnesses in their communities.
Available in DVD or VHS format, the video explains potential health risks from exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants in drinking water and demonstrates actions that health care providers can take in their practices. The video features doctors, nurses and local health officials who discuss the connection between drinking water and health in their communities.
After watching the video, you will be able to:
- Name four health problems related to contaminants in drinking water.
- Identify the types of patients most sensitive to each health problem.
- Describe how contaminants can enter the water system.
- Identify the treatment methods that remove contaminants.
- List clinical findings that should prompt reporting suspicion of a waterborne disease to the local health department.
- Describe how patients can learn about the quality of their drinking water.
- Obtain continuing education credit available through the CDC.
Health care professionals interested in this training video may call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 and ask for “Tap Into Prevention: Drinking Water Information for Health Care Providers.” Or log onto EPA’s Web site, http://www.epa.gov/safewater/healthcare.
