Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments: Coastal and fresh waters, Volume 1World Health Organization, 2003 - 219 pages These new Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments describe the present state of knowledge regarding the impact of recreational use of coastal and freshwater environments upon the health of users - specifically drowning and injury, exposure to cold, heat and sunlight, water quality (especially exposure to water contaminated by sewage, but also exposure to free-living pathogenic microorganisms in recreational water), contamination of beach sand, exposure to algae and their products, exposure to chemical and physical agents, and dangerous aquatic organisms. In addition, control and monitoring of the hazards associated with these environments are discussed. The primary aim of the Guidelines is the protection of public health. The Guidelines are intended to be used as the basis for the development of international and national approaches (including standards and regulations) to controlling the health risks from hazards that may be encountered in recreational water environments, as well as providing a framework for local decision-making. The Guidelines may also be used as reference material for industries and operators preparing development projects in recreational water areas, as a checklist for understanding and assessing potential health impacts of recreational projects, and in the conduct of environmental impact and environmental health impact assessments in particular. |
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Acanthamoeba adverse health Aeromonas algae algal algal blooms animals aquatic associated Australia bacteria Balamuthia mandrillaris Bartram bathers bathing beach sand blooms cause chapter chemical classification clinical coastal coliforms cyanobacteria cyanotoxins dinoflagellates discharges disease diving drinking-water drowning enterococci environmental epidemiological example exposure factors faecal faecal contamination faecal index organisms faecal pollution fowleri fresh water freshwater gastroenteritis guideline values hazards health effects health outcomes health risk human health illness impact infections ingestion injuries intestinal enterococci isolated Journal leptospirosis levels lifeguards management actions marine waters measures microbial water quality Microbiology microcystins microorganisms Naegleria fowleri Nodularia occur outfalls pathogens percentile population potential Prevention public health recreational water areas recreational water environments reported rescue result safety samples scums seawater sewage significant skin cancer sources standards sun protection swimmers swimming Table tion toxic toxins treatment UV index Vibrio species water contact water quality assessment World Health Organization