Oahu's floodwaters test positive for E. coli, salmonella and other bacteria
The Hawaii Department of Health today said that no elevated levels of pesticides or heavy metals were detected in samples of post-storm floodwaters collected from Oahu's North Shore.
DOH tested representative samples of floodwater, mud, and sediment following the Kona-low storms in March.
In the first round of preliminary results, DOH confirmed the samples to be positive for E. coli, enterococcus, and salmonella bacteria. The department later confirmed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Leptospira bacteria in the samples, as well.
This latest round of results for pesticide compounds, however, "showed either no detectable levels or low levels well below any health risk," officials said.
These pesticide compounds were not detected in floodwaters, nor in eight of nine soil samples.
One soil sample was found to have low levels of pesticides, but well below the threshold for health risks based on lifetime exposure.
DOH said, "low detections of these legacy pesticides were expected due to historic use of land on the North Shore."
The samples were also tested for heavy metals, which are naturally present in the soil in Hawaii, and none were found in flood waters.
But low levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium were found in soil samples, consistent with naturally occurring levels and below those deemed a health risk based on lifetime exposure.
Since there is no routine testing of mud and sediment in Hawaii, there are no established baseline levels to compare these results with, DOH said.
People cleaning up mud, debris and other floodwater-damaged items should wear protective gear to prevent bacteria from entering through the skin or mouth, clean exposed skin, and wash their hands after handling mud, soil, or standing water
Anyone with open wounds or cuts that become skin infections with signs of redness or pain, or who experiences other symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or breathing problems after exposure should promptly seek care from a medical provider.
DOH said it was still awaiting results of one additional sampling site - and would test additional mud and sediment samples to determine whether bacteria levels are decreasing as recovery continues.
