Eating food and drinking water contaminated with e. coli has led to fatalities in some cases. Secondary Health Effects Extra chlorine is often added to drinking water to safeguard against intentional sewage releases. Chlorine can combine with organic matter in water to create toxic compounds, such as chloroform, a known carcinogen. Who is at Risk Everyone who heavily uses nearshore areas for recreation is at risk. However, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to becoming ill.
Pathogens can persist in sand longer than in water.
Though water is off-limits during a beach closure, sand contact is still allowed. This can put children at risk if they put contaminated sand in their mouths. Further studies document the risk of bacteria contamination to kayakers, surfers, and swimmers. Despite the risk to children from exposure to contaminated sand, beach closings are based on water concentrations of bacteria. The U.S. EPA recommends that beaches be closed when concentrations reach 235 colonies per 100 ml of water.