Windsurfers Request Investigation Into Ailments from Columbia River
River Nose Update: CRK's letter to state agencies and a summary of our water quality and windsurfer survey results.
Columbia Riverkeeper (CRK) and the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (CGWA) are encouraged by the Oregon Dept. of Human Service’s (DHS) decision to conduct a study in summer 2008 aimed at investigating complaints of “River Nose” and other ailments from windsurfers and kite boarders using the Columbia River. CRK and CGWA fully support the proposed study and sent a letter today calling on public health and environmental agencies in Oregon and Washington to cooperate with DHS, gather critical water quality information and develop a system for people to report health related problems after using the Columbia. DHS will be initiating its study from June 1st to September 30th 2008.
What is River Nose?
For years anyone, who has spent much time around windsurfers or kite boarders on the Columbia River, has heard people complain of “river nose” (a runny nose that doesn’t seem to stop), cuts that get infected or take a long time to heal, sore throats, and diarrhea. While most people who use the Columbia do not experience these or other ailments on a regular basis, we are concerned that over the last several months Columbia Riverkeeper has received an increased number of reports about these and other symptoms. While CRK’s staff, board, volunteers and members continue to use and enjoy the Columbia on a daily basis, we are troubled about the increase in these reports.
What is Columbia Riverkeeper doing?
CRK volunteers test water regularly at over 25 locations in the Columbia; however, we have not previously conducted tests for bacteria, which is at least one potential cause of the ailments. It is important to note, however, that we do not know what is specifically causing these problems. We will be talking at length with scientists, medical professional, and surfers to help us determine what water quality tests are needed to narrow down the list of potential culprits. We will take as many tests as possible before river temperatures cool down this year, but will continue testing into the long-term if need be.
See Columbia Rivekeeper's e coli results
While we are very concerned about the large quantity of toxics in the Columbia and the effect we know these toxics are having on fish and other wildlife, it is important to note that currently there is not enough solid evidence to connect ailments, which some windsurfers have reported, with any specific toxic in the river. However, we are also looking into potential tests for pollen and blue-green algae in the water, which some have suggested as a possible cause of the ailments people have experienced.
Have you experienced River Ailments?
Additionally, we are encouraging any windsurfer, kiter, or swimmer who feels they may be suffering adverse effects from the river to visit their doctor and ask their doctor to conduct tests that may help determine if the condition is related to a bacterial or viral infection. Any results should be sent to the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, the Washington Dept. of Ecology and Columbia Riverkeeper. Columbia Riverkeeper is currently investigating what tests may help identify a potential cause and we hope to have additional information in the coming days which will be posted here. Columbia Riverkeeper is interested in talking to anyone who feels they are having adverse effects from exposure to the Columbia. We may be able to provide financial assistance to help cover medical lab work that might help identify potential causes of the ailments. Please contact us to see if you qualify at (541) 380-1334.
What can you do?
If you have experienced adverse effects while using the Columbia River, please fill in the questions below and paste them into an email and send them to us at crk@gorge.net. We would like to be able to send this information to Oregon DEQ, Washington Ecology and the U.S. EPA., however, if you do not want your contact information shared, please let us know and we will keep it confidential. Thanks a lot for your help!
Additionally, Columbia Riverkeeper is a citizen-powered group so if you can help monitor water quality or find funding please contact Rachael Pecore at Rachael@columbiariverkeeper.org (cell) 541-399-1307
Do you spend time in/near the Columbia River?
CONTACT INFORMATION (Your information is confidential unless otherwise indicated, and as we learn more we may contact you with additional questions):
Name:
Address:
Email: Phone:Age: Sex: M/F
1. What do you spend the most time doing on or near the Columbia River? (please circle):
windsurf / kiteboard / fish / swim / kayak / boat / hike / other (please describe):
2. River locations on the Columbia and elsewhere where you have recreated in 2008:
Activity Location
3. Average number of hours you spend near the water a month (ie 2hr x 5 days/week = 40 hr/mo):
4. If you windsurf or kitesurf what level do you consider yourself (please circle): Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
5. Do you actually submerge your head into the Columbia and if so typical number of times a month (please circle):
1-20 / 20-40 / 40-60 / 60-80 / 80-100 / Other please describe:
6. Have you felt sick in 2008 after being in or near the river?
a. How soon after leaving the river did symptoms occur (Immediately, hours, days…)?:
a. 2008 Locations where you were recreating and experienced adverse effects:
b. Time of year in 2008 and approximate dates of symptoms (ie Summer – 8/15/08):
Type of symptom:Yes (X)
No (X)
Duration:
Burning eyes
Itchy eyes
Itchy ears
Eye infection
Ear infection
Congested sinuses
Nasal drip
Headaches
Sore throat
Fever
Diarrhea (watery or w/blood)?
Infected cuts
Other (please describe):
7. Do you get these symptoms if you swim/sail at other places? Please describe:
8. Are you receiving treatment for these symptoms?
9. Do you have other chronic ailments (i.e. allergies?)
10. Can we release your information to Oregon and Washington State Health Departments?
Please circle Yes / no
11. Additional comments/information:
Please contact Brent at (541) 380-1334 for additional information
Columbia Riverkeeper
724 Oak Street
Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 387-3030
Fax (541) 387-3029
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