California Residents Take Notice of New CDC Report Warning of Aquatic Parasites in Pools

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new report about a chlorine-tolerant parasite known as Cryptosporidium. The parasite is known to survive for up to ten days in chlorinated pools. The report has caught the attention of many California residents as the state is home to over 2.75 million pools and hot tubs. 

Cryptosporidium, also referred to as Crypto, lives in the intestine of infected humans and animals. It is a microscopic parasite that may be found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from an infected host. Cryptosporidiosis is the name of the diarrheal disease caused by Cryptosporidium.

Millions of the parasites can be released in a single bowel movement from an infected human or animal. Crypto forms cysts that are protected by an outer shell allowing them to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes them very resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants. Therefore, an infected person could introduce this parasite into a public or private pool causing health concerns for anyone using the pool. 

“Crypto is not the only microorganism that can cause health concerns in pools,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A study several years ago by the CDC found fecal matter in 58% of public swimming pools. The study looked at 161 samples from pool filter concentrates. The study detected E. coli in over 50% of the pool samples. Other organisms detected in the study included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium.” 

LA Testing has sponsored an online video about public pools, microbial contaminants and recreational water illnesses (RWIs) that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/dYe9xEZTNVg.

To learn more about water testing, aquatic microbiology or other environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing 
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

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