|
|
 |
An article was published in the San
Francisco Chronicle on Saturday, November 3, 2001 concerning water
quality in the Bay Area. Some concerns mentioned in the article were
that booming population growth affects rivers and watersheds. There
are also worries about the municipal water treatment process itself.
Sales of bottled water have doubled over the past decade. Home filters
are also selling well. Concerned residents were given names and phone
numbers of where they could call for testing. We are listed under the
section, A Problem To Watch with the following as quoted:
“National Testing Laboratories in Cleveland will analyze your water in
detail for a fee; call (800) 458-3330. With the information you learn
from the analysis, you can consider buying a water filter that will
solve the problems.”
UPCOMING PRODUCTS
***COMING JANUARY, 2002 CHLORAMINE TESTING***
Chloramine is a chemical used for the disinfection of drinking water.
Our laboratory will be able to offer this test as of January, 2002 for
customers who require this analysis.
Anthrax Testing in Water
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming
bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in animals,
but it can also occur in humans. While most commonly found in
agricultural regions where it occurs in animals, it is also considered
to be a potent agent for use in biological warfare.
How do people get Anthrax?
Anthrax can be contracted in three ways: through a cut or abrasion on
the skin (cutaneous antrhax); through inhalation (inhalation anthrax),
and though ingesting or consuming contaminated food products
(intestinal anthrax).
Is Anthrax likely to be in my drinking water?
There have been no reported cases of any detection of Anthrax in
drinking water supplies in the U.S. While it is possible for a
terrorist to attempt to contaminate a public water supply with anthrax
the large volume of spores which would be needed make this unlikely.
In addition Public Water Utilities across the country have been
working in conjunction with the Federal Government to take additional
security steps to ensure that drinking water supplies are protected
and safe.
Can I test my drinking water using a do-it-yourself anthrax test
kit I see advertised on the internet or on store shelves?
There is no EPA approved in-home-drinking-water-test for anthrax
analysis. Anthrax analysis should only be performed through a
certified micro laboratory by an analyst with experience in anthrax
identification.
Does NTL offer Anthrax analysis in drinking water?
For consumers wishing for additional reassurance that their water is
safe, NTL has contracted with a micro laboratory experienced in
anthrax identification. The cost of this analysis is $60 per sample.
*** If there is reason to believe that a
water has been contaminated or are experiencing anthrax like symptoms
they should contact and notify their local health department or police
and their physician instead of waiting for confirmation of this test.
|
 |
 |
