Friday, July 21, 2006

Surfer Flu

Paradise? Hold your breath.
There are some nasty bugs behind the postcard. Regulars know this -- if only because they've had their share of "surfer flu". Gary Polakovic reports in the L.A. Times that bacterial illness from ocean pollution takes an economic toll in Southern California:
Bacterial pollution sickens as many as 1.5 million swimmers and surfers annually at many Southern California area beaches and results in millions of dollars in public healthcare costs, according to a new study.

Previous studies have linked health problems to contaminated surf at individual beaches, but the new report is the first to examine illnesses at dozens of the nation's most popular beaches, spanning 100 miles of shore in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Nearly 80 million visitors recreate in those waters annually. [more]
This may be a blessing in disguise, prompting authorities to take the long-due measures towards cleaning our beaches. Time also to renew support for organizations such as Heal the Bay.
photo LA Frog

3 comments:

With Love, Fat Girl said...

My french is terrible, but ton blog est excellent.

Could I have permission to blogroll it, or, add you to my links list?

LA Frog said...

Thank you for the lovely comment. I'll be flattered if you blogroll/link me :)

With Love, Fat Girl said...

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