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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Sun protection behaviors and stages of change for the primary prevention of skin cancers among beachgoers in southeastern New England.

Sun exposure is the most important avoidable cause of skin cancers. We report characteristics of a representative sample (N = 2,324) of beachgoers in Southeastern New England during the summer of 1995. This sample was not employing adequate sun protection behaviors (83% did not often avoid the sun during midday and only 45% often used sunscreen). Important demographic and skin cancer risk factor differences in sun protective behaviors and stages of change for sun protection were found, especially differences based on age, gender, and degree of sun sensitivity. Consistent with previous research, increased age, female gender, and greater sun sensitivity were each independently associated with more sun protective behaviors. These findings underscore the need for interventions targeting high-risk populations, such as those receiving high-intensity sun exposures at the beach.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Microbiological monitoring of beach water: old and new parameters].

The survival of fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus in sea water (35@1000 salinity) in the dark and at room temperature was evaluated. Staphylococcus aureus has been regarded for a long time as the new parameter to add to the classic ones in order to define the quality and suitability to recreational use. At the sperimental condition considered the survival of fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, Salmonella enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus resulted equal to 48 h, 88 h, 56 h, and 96 h respectively. Fecal coliforms resulted the most sensitive bacteria to osmotic shock while Staphylococcus aureus the most adaptable species. Our results seem to indicate the opportunity of reconsidering the microbiological parameters used for the control of beach water.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1996

A survey of sunbathing practices on three Connecticut State beaches.

In order to analyze sunbathing practices, a survey was conducted during the summer of 1995 on three Connecticut state beaches, with 1,003 interviews completed. The majority (65.8%) of respondents were women. Almost 70% of respondents were visiting the beach to get or maintain a tan. While the intended beach stay averaged four hours, only 55.7% of respondents were using sunscreen, 6.9% were sitting under shade, 12.7% were wearing hats, and 17.1% were wearing clothes other than a bathing suit. More than half (55%) of the sunscreen used had a sun protection factor of less than 15. Children were provided with greater protection than adults. The survey indicates the need for greater educational efforts to motivate protective behavior. Primary-care physicians could have an important role in these efforts.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Larva migrans].

Larbish, cutaneous larva migrans or creeping eruption, is a serpiginous cutaneous eruption caused by skin penetration of infective larva from various animal nematodes. Hookworms (Ancylostoma brasiliense, A. caninum) are the most common causative parasites. They live in the intestines of dogs and cats where their ova are deposited in the animal feces. In sandy and shady soil, when temperature and moisture are elevated, the ova hatch and mature into infective larva. Infection occurs when humans have contact with the infected soil. Infective larva penetrate the exposed skin of the body, commonly around the feet, hands and buttocks. In humans, the larva are not able to complete their natural cycle and remain trapped in the upper dermis of the skin. The disease is widespread in tropical or subtropical regions, especially along the coast on sandy beaches. The diagnosis is easy for the patient who is returning from a tropical or subtropical climate and gives a history of beach exposure. The characteristic skin lesion is a fissure or erythematous cord which is displaced a few millimeters each day in a serpiginous track. Scabies, the larva currens syndrome due to Strongyloides stercoralis, must be distinguished from other creeping eruptions and subcutaneous swelling lesions caused by other nematodes or myiasis. Medical treatments are justified because it shortens the duration of the natural evolution of the disease. Topical tiabendazole is safe for localized invasions, but prolonged treatment may be necessary. Oral thiabendazole treatment for three days is effective, but sometimes is associated with adverse effects. Trials using albendazole for one or four consecutive days appear more efficacious. More recent trials using ivermectine showed that a single oral dose can cure 100% of the patients; thus, this drug looks very promising as a new form of therapy. Individual prophylaxis consists of avoiding skin contact with soil which has been contaminated with dog or cat feces. Keeping dogs and cats off the beaches is illusory in tropical countries.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Visual diagnosis of solid waste contamination of a tourist beach: Pernambuco, Brazil.

The solid waste accumulation patterns on Tamandaré beach, Pernambuco State (Brazil), was assessed from February 2001 to July 2002. This beach is easily accessible, frequently used, and there is a public cleaning service. The beach is under the influence of three small coastal drainage basins. The study visually divided the beach into 15 segments according to the level of solid waste contamination into absent (A), trace (B), unacceptable (C) and objectionable (D). The lowest levels of contamination were found at the middle part of the study area, the most vulnerable in respect to coastal erosion presenting numerous interventions on the beach, absence of native vegetation and lesser width. The highest levels of contamination were at the northern and southern ends of the area, where there are no developments, the beach morphology favours deposition of sediments, there is native vegetation and the beach is wider. The D level did not occur within the area.

Bathing Beaches↗
PubMed2004

Gamma dose rates and distribution of natural radionuclides in sand beaches--Ilha Grande, Southeastern Brazil.

In order to study the process of dispersion and the activity concentration of 232Th and 238U series and 40K radionuclides in two island beaches in southeastern Brazil, analyses was made of sand samples of 0-10 cm profile, during a 12-month period. Moreover, the monthly variations of gamma dose rates were studied to determine the local environment absorbed dose rate. The average activity concentration of primordial radionuclides 232Th, 238U and 40K at Preta beach, they were 239, 121 and 110 Bq kg(-1), while at Dois Rios beach they were 48, 39 and 412 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The absorbed dose rate in air, observed at 1 m above the ground, ranged from 54 to 228 nGy h(-1) at Preta beach and from 39 to 110 nGy h(-1) at Dois Rios beach. The annual effective dose equivalent corresponding to Preta beach is 0.15 mSv a(-1) and to Dois Rios 0.08 mSv a(-1).

Background Radiation↗
PubMed2006

Beach morphodynamics forcements in oiled shorelines: Coupled physical and chemical processes during and after fuel burial.

In November 2002, the sinking of the Prestige oil tanker off the Galician coast (N.W. Spain) caused the largest ecological catastrophe in the history of Spain, affecting the coast called the 'Costa da Morte' (Galicia, N.W. Spain). This work is focused on the study of the oil contamination of the intertidal area of two beaches located on this stretch of coast. The study of twenty cores extracted from both beaches has identified fuel embedded in the sedimentary column up to a depth of 2.38 m (this being the maximum depth of extraction). This, along with the presence of oil below the groundwater indicates the existence of a new factor which determines the burial of oil: the morphodynamic behaviour of the beach. Furthermore, this morphodynamic variation conditions the physical appearance of the buried oil. Four different types have been identified: tar-balls (cm), particles (mm), oil coatings on sediment grains and on emulsion, with distribution patterns conditioned by the degree of wave exposure. The analysis of the information obtained have permitted the development of a conceptual model of the burial and oil evolution in the sedimentary column in relation to wave exposure, and thus to the morphodynamic variability of the beach.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2004

The application of peptide nucleic acid probes for rapid detection and enumeration of eubacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in recreational beaches of S. Florida.

A novel chemiluminescent in situ hybridization technique using peptide nucleic acids (PNA) was adapted for the detection of bacteria in beach sand and recreational waters in South Florida. The simultaneous detection and enumeration of eubacteria and the novel indicators, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was achieved within 6-8 h of processing. Following 5 h of incubation on TSA, soybean peroxidase-labeled peptide nucleic acid probes (Boston Probes, Boston, MA) targeting species-specific 16S rRNA sequences of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were used to hybridize microcolonies of the target species in-situ. In addition, a universal probe for 16S rRNA sequences was used to target the eubacteria. Probes were detected after a light generating reaction with a chemiluminescent substrate and their presence recorded on Polaroid film. The probes showed limited cross-reactivity with mixed indigenous bacteria extracted from seawater and sand by shaking with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Specificity and cross-reactivity was tested on the reference bacterial genera Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Vibrio, Shigella, Salmonella, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia and Citrobacter. These tests confirmed that the probes were specific for the microorganisms of interest and were unaffected by high salt levels. The results of the PNA chemiluminescent in situ hybridization were compared with traditional plate count methods (PCM) for total 'freshwater' eubacteria, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Counts of eubacteria and S. aureus were comparable with numbers obtained from traditional plate counts but levels of P. aeruginosa were higher with PNA than with PCM. It is possible that PNA is more sensitive than PCM because it can detect microcolonies on the agar surface that never fully develop with the plate count method. We conclude that the in situ hybridization technique used here represents an important potential tool for the rapid monitoring of novel indicator organisms in beaches and recreational waters.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed2006

Feasibility study of a water safety data collection for beaches.

This study examined the feasibility of a methodology for collecting information on water safety on beaches. Previous work showed that lifeguards and lifesavers were unreliable data collectors as they often did not have time to devote to it. The aim of this study was to trial a data collection using dedicated data collectors. The results showed the water safety-related items that could be consistently reported, and those items that were not. Items relating to beach conditions that could be reported were: wave type, tide times, sea conditions, rips and weather and wind conditions. Items associated with rescues that could be reported were: sex, age group, activity before rescue, who performed the rescue, water depth, safety flag location, nearest rescue and rescue equipment. Data collectors could collect some data on an hourly basis especially: exact or best estimates of beach attendance, exact or best estimates of major rescues and rescues, wind direction and first aid used. Some items could not be collected consistently and their inclusion in data collections should be reviewed. These include: exact age, suburb, indigenous status and swimming ability. While the validity of the collected information was not able to be established, the feasibility study showed which items could be practically included in a water safety data collection, but that dedicated data collectors may be needed to maintain a safety data collection on busy or dangerous beaches. This approach together with data collection by water safety professionals at less busy times would be cost-effective.

Australia↗
PubMed2004

Quantitative analysis of small-plastic debris on beaches in the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Small-plastic beach debris from nine coastal locations throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago was analyzed. At each beach, replicate 20 l samples of sediment were collected, sieved for debris between 1 and 15 mm in size, sorted by type, counted and weighed. Small-plastic debris occurred on all of the beaches, but the greatest quantity was found at three of the most remote beaches on Midway Atoll and Moloka'i. Of the debris analyzed, 72% by weight was plastic. A total of 19100 pieces of plastic were collected from the nine beaches, 11% of which was pre-production plastic pellets. This study documents for the first time the presence of small-plastic debris on Hawaiian beaches and corroborates estimates of the abundance of plastics in the marine environment in the North Pacific.

Bathing Beaches↗
PubMed2005

Tidal forcing of enterococci at marine recreational beaches at fortnightly and semidiurnal frequencies.

Marine beach water quality is typically monitored in early morning once a week without respect to tidal condition. To assess the effect of tide on this public health warning system, we analyzed enterococci (ENT) data from 60 southern California marine beaches with differing geomorphology, orientation, and proximity to runoff sources. ENT concentrations during spring tides were significantly higher (p < 0.1) than those during neap tides at 50 of the beaches, and at the majority of these, water samples were also more than twice as likely to be out of compliance with the ENT single-sample standard during spring tides compared to neap tides. When tide range (spring/neap) and tide stage (ebb/flood) conditions were considered together, spring-ebb tides yielded the highest ENT concentrations and the greatest chance of exceeding the single-sample standard at the majority of beaches. The proximity to a terrestrial runoff source, the slope of the runoff source, the slope of the beach, and the orientation of the beach had minimal influence on the tidal modulation of ENT concentrations. The presence of spring and spring-ebb tide signals at such a great percentage of beaches suggests that tide should be considered in the design and interpretation of beach monitoring program data. It also suggests that ENT delivered by tidally forced sources other than terrestrial surficial runoff are widespread. Possibilities include ENT-laden groundwater (saline and fresh) from the beach aquifer as well as ENT-enriched sands, decaying wrack, and bird feces near the high water line.

Bathing Beaches↗
PubMed2003

Assessment of the aesthetic quality of a selection of beaches in the Firth of Forth, Scotland.

The aesthetic quality of fourteen beaches in the Firth of Forth, Scotland was surveyed between May and July 2002 using a protocol designed by the UK's National Aquatic Litter Group (NALG). Local authority beach cleaning regimes influence the amount of litter found on beaches. Frequent and thorough beach cleaning is necessary to maintain high aesthetic standards. Bathing and amenity beaches achieved higher aesthetic quality than non-bathing and non-amenity beaches. The aesthetic quality of rural and urban beaches was very similar. The NALG protocol appears more complicated to use than other beach litter surveys. However, the classification system generates results that are easily interpreted by the general public. Furthermore, the NALG protocol could be combined with coastal zone management plans as a useful environmental performance indicator.

Cities↗
PubMed1999

Beach week: a high school graduation rite of passage for sun, sand, suds, and sex.

BACKGROUND: Every year, thousands of suburban high school graduates from mid Atlantic states flock to nearby coastal beaches for a long-anticipated rite of passage known as "beach week." Sand, sun, and sea, and also smoking, binge drinking, drugs, and sex, are reported to be dominant themes. OBJECTIVE: To document risk-taking behaviors by girls during beach week. METHOD: Fifty-nine female suburban high school graduates who attended beach week in 1996 volunteered to fill out a confidential printed survey. Twenty-five girls (42%) completed the survey during a typical beach week party. Their activities were verified on site by a peer, recommended by her grade advisor for her integrity and popularity. Breath alcohol values were obtained at entry and departure from the party. The remaining 34 girls completed the supervised survey 2 to 3 months later. RESULTS: Daily cigarette smoking (54%), daily drunkenness (75%), and sex (46%) were the norm among respondents of our survey. Few reported first-time sex (n = 4) or drug use (n = 2). Abstinence from drugs (67%) and sex (55%) was not unusual but only 12% abstained from getting drunk. Sixteen girls (64%) reported that they drank 8 or more beers/wine during a typical beach week party. By departure from the party, 15 girls had breath alcohol values of 0.017 mmol/L or greater (reference range, <21.7 mmol/L), and 8 additional girls had breath alcohol values of 0.01 mmol/L to 0.015 mmol/L. Fifteen percent of the 59 reported injuries or illness were related to alcohol or drugs. CONCLUSION: Most respondents enjoyed beach week but a large percentage engaged in serious risk-taking behaviors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The macroinfauna of the Galician sandy beaches (NW Spain) affected by the Prestige oil-spill.

Eighteen sandy beaches were sampled along the 1659 km of the Galician coast (NW Spain) six months after the Prestige oil-spill to study the impact of the fuel and the clean-up activities on the macroinfauna community. A transect was extended at each beach, from above the drift line to below the swash line at five sampled levels; at each level six 0.05 m2 replicates were taken to a depth of 30 cm and sieved through a 1mm mesh, and the organisms collected and preserved. Results were compared with previous data obtained using the same procedures. The macroinfauna was numerically dominated by the amphipod Pontocrates arenarius, the isopod genus Eurydice, the polychaete Scolelepis squamata, and the amphipod Talitrus saltator. As a result of the Prestige oil-spill and the clean-up activities, beach populations were reduced, with Eurydice and S. squamata as the most affected taxa.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Examination of the watershed-wide distribution of Escherichia coli along Southern Lake Michigan: an integrated approach.

Recent research has highlighted the occurrence of Escherichia coli in natural habitats not directly influenced by sewage inputs. Most studies on E. coli in recreational water typically focus on discernible sources (e.g., effluent discharge and runoff) and fall short of integrating riparian, nearshore, onshore, and outfall sources. An integrated "beachshed" approach that links E. coli inputs and interactions would be helpful to understand the difference between background loading and sewage pollution; to develop more accurate predictive models; and to understand the differences between potential, net, and apparent culturable E. coli. The objective of this study was to examine the interrelatedness of E. coli occurrence from various coastal watershed components along southern Lake Michigan. The study shows that once established in forest soil, E. coli can persist throughout the year, potentially acting as a continuous non-point source of E. coli to nearby streams. Year-round background stream loading of E. coli can influence beach water quality. E. coli is present in highly variable counts in beach sand to depths just below the water table and to distances at least 5 m inland from the shore, providing a large potential area of input to beach water. In summary, E. coli in the fluvial-lacustrine system may be stored in forest soils, sediments surrounding springs, bank seeps, stream margins and pools, foreshore sand, and surface groundwater. While rainfall events may increase E. coli counts in the foreshore sand and lake water, concentrations quickly decline to prerain concentrations. Onshore winds cause an increase in E. coli in shallow nearshore water, likely resulting from resuspension of E. coli-laden beach sand. When examining indicator bacteria source, flux, and context, the entire "beachshed" as a dynamic interacting system should be considered.

Bathing Beaches↗
PubMed1992

How dangerous is that visit to the beach? A pilot study of beach injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile of injuries sustained on a resort beach during the summer holiday period. DESIGN/SETTING: Information was gathered from patients presenting to the surf club, hospital, surgery and pharmacy with injuries sustained on or around Lorne beach, Victoria. RESULTS: 211 injuries were recorded; 37% were lacerations/cuts, 18% were rescues. Of the listed causes of injuries, 20% were from surfboards and 19% were from beach litter. CONCLUSIONS: An injury profile was developed. The patterns were used to prepare the recommendations for preventive measures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Sun protection by families at the beach.

BACKGROUND: During the last decade, results of surveys of adults showed an increase in sun protection knowledge, a slight decline in the attitude that having a tan was healthy, widespread sunscreen use as the principal method of solar protection, and an increase in sunburning. METHODS: During the summer of 1996, observers recorded the sun protection activities of 352 family groups as they arrived at the beach and did concurrent interviews. RESULTS: Ninety-eight percent of families using sunscreen applied it after arrival at the beach and it was the dominant form of sun protection used. Usually, the adult woman provided the sunscreen and applied it to a child before applying it to herself. The median delay in application from arrival at the beach to application to the last family member was 51 minutes. Wearing either a hat, shirt, or sunscreen by 1 adult was associated with wearing the same item by at least 1 child in the family group (hat, P<.001; shirt, P<.001; sunscreen, P<.001). Children's sunscreen use was associated with having fair skin and a parent who used it. CONCLUSIONS: Because those with fair skin type are more likely to use sunscreen and to burn after short periods of exposure, delay in sunscreen application may cause sunburns. While solar protection has become part of routine beach behaviors for most families, there is room for improvement with better application of sunscreen; more use of clothing, especially hats; and seeking shade.

Adult↗