Latest news with #toxins
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Minneapolis fire stations install saunas to help crews clear out smoke, toxins
There's no doubt firefighting is a dangerous job, but some of the biggest risks aren't just the flames. It's what lingers afterwards. It's why Minneapolis Fire Departments have been installing saunas at their stations. Steve Shapira is the founder of the Minneapolis Fire Foundation, an organization that supports the health and safety of Minneapolis Fire Fighters. "One of the things we're trying to do is help firefighters have a post fire place to go and get some of these toxins away from their body," said Shapira. "What we're really trying to do is stop the absorption of the soot and smoke that is on the surface of their skin, before it can get into their fat, get into their bloodstream, and get into their organs." For him, the mission is personal. After 17 years as a St. Paul fire captain, Shapira was forced to retire after developing blood cancer, likely caused by exposure to toxins. "It's kind of become my mission since I got sick 10-plus years ago to help keep firefighters healthy and so this is just one more tool in our tool box to kind of have firefighters go down that road of a long, safe, healthy career," Shapria said. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service. in 2023, 72% of firefighter deaths were from cancer. So far, five fire stations in Minneapolis have the saunas. The goal is to equip the remaining 14 and the training station. CJ Schertner is a captain with the Minneapolis Fire Department. He says the saunas are doing what a shower can't. "You're showering, you're scrubbing, you still come out of that shower smelling like smoke," Schertner said. The saunas are benefiting in other ways as well. "It's also been a nice thing for people to use just for their mental health. It's a good thing to help rejuvinate you a little bit," said Schertner. Research is still underway on just how effective post-fire saunas are for removing carcinogens, but for firefighters, it's one more defense in a job full of hidden risks.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Toxic algae bloom prompts warning and beach closures at Minnesota lake
A bacteria called 'cyanobacteria' has bloomed in Lake Erie, with officials warning vacationers to the popular Midwest tourist attraction to remain on high alert. Cyanobacteria manifest as blue-green algae and are typically found in freshwater. The bacteria are essential in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem, but excessive blooms can lead to disastrous health effects. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science released an alert warning of a cyanobacteria bloom in western Lake Erie that spans around 160 miles. Those swimming in the lake from Maumee Bay north, Monroe, Port Clinton, into the western basin on West Sister Island, and Sandusky Bay have been warned of toxins exceeding the recreational limit. The cyanobacteria bloom has created scums and discolored green water that can be dangerous for swimming. 'Toxins have been detected below the recreational limit in western Lake Erie. They can be highly concentrated in scums! If you see scum, keep your pets and yourself out of the water,' the alert read. The NCCOS uses satellite imagery and forecasting technology to determine the status of the bloom. Field samples also show the depth and level of toxicity in the water. Satellite images taken on Tuesday revealed that the western part of Lake Erie was highlighted in green and blue, meaning high amounts of cyanobacteria were present. The NCCOS added that high winds can underestimate the full area impacted. Winds can mix the bloom, and clouds can obscure the satellite reading. Cyanobacteria are a type of HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms) and can cause harm to the environment and humans. Cyanobacteria can also produce a byproduct called cyanotoxins, which can cause diarrhea, headaches, skin irritation, and even death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The bloom occurs when the water gets warmer, making July to October the peak season for Lake Erie. The NCCOS released a seasonal forecast for HABs in Lake Erie in June, predicting the severity would be a three with a potential range of two to four out of ten. Scientists expected a predicted bloom severity of mild to moderate, noting the bacteria would concentrate in July, peak in August, and continue until September. Gregory J Dick, a professor of Biology at the University of Michigan, wrote in The Conversation that climate change has increased cyanobacteria growth. Cyanobacteria grow in warmer climates, meaning that temperature increases exacerbate growth. He added that cyanobacteria can be lethal to pets, and new science suggests that long-term exposure for humans may even exacerbate respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal problems. These health issues have even been linked to liver cancers, kidney disease, and neurological problems. In 2014, a cyanobacteria bloom contaminated Lake Erie, which made its way into the water supply. Over 450,000 residents in Toledo were issued an advisory not to drink the water and were forced to purchase bottled water for over two days.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Bacteria 'bloom' explodes in popular Midwest lake as officials warn vacationers to stay away
A bacteria called 'cyanobacteria' has bloomed in Lake Erie, with officials warning vacationers to the popular Midwest tourist attraction to remain on high alert. Cyanobacteria manifest as blue-green algae and are typically found in freshwater. The bacteria are essential in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem, but excessive blooms can lead to disastrous health effects. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science released an alert warning of a cyanobacteria bloom in western Lake Erie that spans around 160 miles. Those swimming in the lake from Maumee Bay north, Monroe, Port Clinton, into the western basin on West Sister Island, and Sandusky Bay have been warned of toxins exceeding the recreational limit. The cyanobacteria bloom has created scums and discolored green water that can be dangerous for swimming. 'Toxins have been detected below the recreational limit in western Lake Erie. They can be highly concentrated in scums! If you see scum, keep your pets and yourself out of the water,' the alert read. The NCCOS uses satellite imagery and forecasting technology to determine the status of the bloom. Field samples also show the depth and level of toxicity in the water. Satellite images taken on Tuesday revealed that the western part of Lake Erie was highlighted in green and blue, meaning high amounts of cyanobacteria were present. The NCCOS added that high winds can underestimate the full area impacted. Winds can mix the bloom, and clouds can obscure the satellite reading. Cyanobacteria are a type of HAB (Harmful Algal Blooms) and can cause harm to the environment and humans. Cyanobacteria can also produce a byproduct called cyanotoxins, which can cause diarrhea, headaches, skin irritation, and even death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The bloom occurs when the water gets warmer, making July to October the peak season for Lake Erie. The NCCOS released a seasonal forecast for HABs in Lake Erie in June, predicting the severity would be a three with a potential range of two to four out of ten. Scientists expected a predicted bloom severity of mild to moderate, noting the bacteria would concentrate in July, peak in August, and continue until September. Gregory J Dick, a professor of Biology at the University of Michigan, wrote in The Conversation that climate change has increased cyanobacteria growth. Cyanobacteria grow in warmer climates, meaning that temperature increases exacerbate growth. The alert was issued for Maumee Bay north, Monroe, Port Clinton, into the western basin on West Sister Island, and Sandusky Bay Dick added that cyanobacteria can be lethal to pets, and new science suggests that long-term exposure for humans may even exacerbate respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal problems. These health issues have even been linked to liver cancers, kidney disease, and neurological problems. In 2014, a cyanobacteria bloom contaminated Lake Erie, which made its way into the water supply. Over 450,000 residents in Toledo were issued an advisory not to drink the water and were forced to purchase bottled water for over two days.
CBC
28-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Toxic mixes making it harder to treat street drug overdoses, front-line workers warn
Front-line workers are sounding the alarm over toxins increasingly making their way into synthetic street drugs, making it more difficult to treat overdoses. Epidemiologist Dr. Christopher Labos tells CBC News it's the 'unfortunate' consequence of a drug problem that's not controlled.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NYC Council orders Department of Investigation to probe 9/11 Ground Zero toxin reports
The New York City Council passed a resolution Monday ordering the city's Department of Investigation to probe what information the city had on Ground Zero toxins after the 9/11 attacks and when they had it. The resolution's passage, in a unanimous vote, comes after a yearslong fight to find out what the city knew about dangerous chemicals in the air after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The Adams administration as well as its predecessors have refused to release those documents, claiming they couldn't find them and that the documents could lead to a barrage of lawsuits from survivors and first responders. 'This legislation is about responsive, transparent, and accountable government. The remaining residents and survivors of the September 11, 2001 attacks are deeply interested in what the city knew about the hazards of that period, and when,' said Gale Brewer, chair of the Council's Oversight and Investigation Committee. 'Resolution 560-A will provide answers that are 20 years overdue.' The legislation marks the first time a provision of the City Charter allows the Council to order the DOI to undertake an investigation with a bill. Despite lawsuits and multiple Freedom of Information Law requests, mayoral administrations since Rudy Giuliani have refused to release the documents. This bill directs the DOI, which has independent oversight over the city, to investigate what past administrations knew about environmental toxins produced by the terror attacks and to submit those findings to the Council in a report. The DOI will be required to produce biannual updates, with a final report due at the end of the two-year probe. Spokespeople for the mayor did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'This resolution would finally reveal what city government knew about environmental toxins produced by the September 11 attacks, and when. This transparency is particularly relevant in this moment when trust in government is severely lacking,' Brewer said. About 137,000 first responders and survivors are enrolled in the U.S. Center for Disease Control's WTC Health Program to get treatment and medication due to Ground Zero toxins. Around 7,000 have died. Some advocates have estimated there are more than 10,000 potential liability claims.
