Title: Health effects of sea bathing (EH 9021). Phase 3 studies in 1991 : interim report April 1991 to March 1992 (Interim)
Author: E.B. Pike
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
This is the third annual report of progress in the UK national study into the health effects of sea bathing, which will be completed by March 1993. Two methods, tested and validated in pilot studies carried out in the summer of 1989, are being used to establish the relationships, if any, between microbiological quality of coastal water and the risks to health of bathers. Studies involving 10437 subjects have now been carried out at eight beaches, using two complementary methods, a survey to determine symptoms reported by holidaymakers participating in various beach activities at beaches differing widely in water quality and a controlled study using healthy adult volunteers divided into bathers and non bathers, whose health is ascertained by detailed questionnaire, medical interviews and clinical examination.
Although firm conclusions cannot be drawn until the research is complete, correlations have been found between water quality and relative risks of gastrointestinal symptoms in water users, between relative rates of reporting certain symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal, and with the degree of water contact. Those water users most likely to report elevated symptoms are the 15 to 24 year old group.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1992
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Bathing water; Coastal waters; Water quality; Surveys; Human diseases; Bathing Water Directive; Public health
Geographic Keywords: Torbay (Devon); Lyme Regis; Cleethorpes; Morecambe Bay; Skegness; Devon; Torridge
Extent: 111; + appendices
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4038
Total file downloads: 310
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