There are several microorganisms that can cause serious health affects on individuals. There have been several local outbreaks of waterborne disease. Last summer, in my own community, we were under a "boil order" due to contaminents in our tap water. Some contaminents, such as nitrate, can not be boiled out of the water and pose serious health risks for pregnant mothers and infants. Nitrates are turned into nitrites in the intestines, when they are absorbed in the bloodstream they prevent the transference of oxygen in the bloodstream. Younger children, infants, and pregnant women do not have the enzyme to fight this and excessive levels can cause "blue baby" syndrome (EPA, 2009).
In Haiti cholera has killed more than 290 people and 4,150 cases have been reported (UNICEF, 2010). Cholorea is a "highly virulent waterborne bacteria that causes massive and painful diarrheal dehydration" (UNICEF, 2010). Cholorea can be easily prevented by washing hands in clean water and soap, but without access to soap or clean water this can be difficult. This is the biggest "medical crisis" in recent years and most Haitians have never even heard of cholorea (UNICEF, 2010). UNICEF is working diligently to stopping the spread of this epidemic. Recently, a drop in death rates does show that some progress is being made but it is important that the humanitarian efforts continue to stop this epidemic.
The impact of clean water is definitely knowledge I can use and will share with the families I work with on a daily basis. It is important that pregnant mothers and families with small children have access to clean water. One aspect I found interesting is that even in our country we need to be aware of the threats to our water supply. Families living in old homes may have lead pipes that allow lead to seep into their water supply. This is a condition that can even affect families living in newer homes whose pipes are considered "lead free' but still contain 8% lead. After installation these pipes can leak significant amounts of lead into the water. Other facts that brought to light the impact of lack of clean water include: 2.6 billion people live without proper sanitation; 1 billion have no access to safe, clean drinking water; and that 4,000 children die "each day" from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation (UNICEF, 2010).
References:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). December 2009. Water on tap: What you need to know. Retrieved from www.epa.gov/safewater
UNICEF USA, October 28, 2010. Containing the cholorea outbreak in Haiti. Retrieved from www.unicefusa.org/news/news-from-the-field/containing-the-cholera.html
Toni,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing that a simple thing like clean water can make such a difference in the world's health? I recently met a famous Christian musician who had traveled to Africa. He told of his experience helping a 6-year-old get clean water for his family. The child spent the entire day walking to a local watering hold and waiting his turn with the entire village to get clean water in a gallon jug. It took him 6 hours to walk there and 6 hours to walk back. I think of how many places I can go to get clean water, just in my own house and feel so blessed. Thank you for this very important information.
I never expected this country could have such saggering figures concerning unclean water. Many of the illnesses can be eliminated with clean water and soap, but we must have clean water.
ReplyDeleteHi Toni,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the information you found, what an eye-opening topic! A lot of times, clean water is taken for granted...I myself am guilty of this! It was surprising that here in the US this is not always true. The statistics you shared relating to the lack of clean water were stunning, can you imagine the difference in the world if more people had access to clean water?!
Your source for children's death related to lack of access to clean water were more recent than mine from 2004 reported by the World Heath Organization, which estimated that 6000 children die each day from water-borne illnesses. Perhaps efforts and commitments to increasing access are working, with a reduction of 2000 deaths per day in 2010. We still have a ways to go to ensure that people have not only access, but health education about the spread of bacteria to eradicate such a sad death toll.
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