Fact Sheet: Columbia “River Nose” Studies
“River Nose” Summary:
For many years, there have been complaints from windsurfers and other recreational users about adverse health effects related to use of the Columbia River. In 2007, there was a flurry of complaints and news reports related to what became popularly dubbed as “River Nose.” River Nose was the term used to describe what are actually a host of symptoms experienced after River use including: congested sinuses and chronic nasal discharge, ear and eye infections, prolonged healing of wounds, skin rashes, sore throats, and diarrhea.
In response to these reports, Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) conducted a preliminary study among a convenient sample of 65 windsurfers selected at the Hood River Event Site in 2007. DHS researchers found that 45% of interviewees reported having runny/stuffy nose, 17% mentioned prolonged healing of wounds, and less than 10% reported an eye or ear infection or gastrointestinal symptoms after their last sailing experience. Moreover, 37% of respondents said that their symptoms happened more often when they surfed on the Columbia and 55% of interviewees believed that water quality is very likely or somewhat likely associated with the respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms listed in the survey. This initial study concluded that more in-depth investigations were warranted and in response, DHS, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) planned additional studies for 2008 to better identify both the extent of the health problems and begin to identify whether those symptoms are potentially related to Columbia River water quality or other factors. DHS is now conducting a longitudinal human health study to identify health issues facing windsurfers and kiteboarders using the Columbia River as compared to non-surfers. EPA and Columbia Riverkeeper are coordinating on water quality monitoring efforts for toxics and biological pollutants that may be associated with River Nose-related ailments. Identifying the nature and scope of health issues facing River users and identifying the potential cause(s) will likely be a long-term effort.
While the Columbia River faces a number of significant pollution threats and is the focus of a major EPA-led toxics reduction effort, there currently is no data that link River Nose ailments to any specific cause associated with water quality in the Columbia River, whether human caused or naturally occurring. For detailed information visit the Columbia River Basin website:http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ecocomm.nsf/Columbia/Columbia
Current Studies Overview:
Oregon DDHS, EPA, and Columbia Riverkeeper are all engaged in studies this summer to better understand the health problem referred to as “River Nose” and potential causes.
Oregon DHS study:
DHS is conducting an epidemiological study with 200 volunteers to compare health issues facing windsurfers and kiteboarders who mainly surf in the Columbia Gorge with non-surfers. This work will help determine the extent of the health problem, and whether complaints of “River Nose” are related to exposure to the Columbia River or to other factors. For details please visit: www.healthoregon.org/surferhealth.
EPA and Columbia Riverkeeper study:
EPA and Columbia Riverkeeper are working together on a water quality monitoring project to better understand : 1) the presence of toxic compounds in the River during high flow and low flow conditions; and 2) the presence and levels of bacteria that are indicators of fecal contamination (E coli, Enterococci, fecal coliform), bacteria that may be harmful (Pseudomonas and Aeromonas), and protozoans which may be harmful (Cryptosporidium, and Giardia). Samples of blue-green algae and pollen will also be analyzed. Samples will be collected from surface waters near major recreational use sites in the Gorge, including a subset of samples taken from the surface microlayer, or less than the top centimeter of the River surface where it is suspected that compounds not readily dissolved in water may concentrate. These water quality tests may provide some initial information on what is present in the River, and give us a starting point to begin to identify the quantity of harmful compounds present. It is important to recognize, however, that these studies are only a starting point based on the limited funding currently available for such work. The results obtained from this monitoring will not answer the cause and effect questions people may have, but may help inform future efforts to further investigate this problem. EPA has provided funding to Oregon DEQ for more comprehensive water quality testing for toxics planned for 2009.
In addition to the work with EPA, Columbia Riverkeeper volunteers also monitor E coli, pH, temperature, water clarity, and conductivity once a month as part of an ongoing monitoring program at over 75 sites along the Columbia River.
Tests results are expected to be released in late fall.
For more information please contact:
Environmental Protection Agency: Mary Lou Soscia, 503-326-5873, soscia.marylou@epa.gov
Columbia Riverkeeper: Rachael Pecore, 541-387-3030 rachael@columbiariverkeeper.com
Oregon Dept. of Human Services: Ning An, 971-673-1111, ning.an@state.or.us
Washington Dept. of Ecology: Andrew Kolosseus, 360-407-7543, akol461@ecy.wa.gov
Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality: Marcia Danab, 503-229-6588
What can you do?
Send us a completed survey (below) whether you’re a windsurfer or not, feeling adverse effects or not. Thank you.
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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