This presentation is given in partnership with the Spring
Run Eco Club. One drop, or 1 ml of seawater, can contain as many as 10 million
viruses and 1 million bacteria. Many of these are benign. Some create serious
human health risk. It just so happens that Florida has more than its share of
bad actors. Harmful algae blooms such as red tide and cyanobacteria (or
blue-green algae) are becoming more frequent and severe in Florida and many
parts of the world. Other waterborne contaminates of concern in Florida include
fecal bacteria, vibrio, naegleria, megionella, and other pathogens as well as
things like heavy metals. What is most disturbing, from a public health
standpoint, is that in addition to direct water exposure, many of these
contaminates can become aerosolized or airborne whether from the motion of
waves, boat wakes, storm events or simply from evaporation. So what are the public
health risks? Are we exposing ourselves, our families, maybe even our children
to human health risk? What legislative remedies or changes to current public
policy are necessary to mitigate harm?
Purpose: Screen the film Waterborne and participate in a group
discussion about the film
Facilitator: Terri Socol
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