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Home > Maine Hazards > Contamination of Food, Drinking Water, Air or Soil

Contamination of Food, Drinking Water, Air or Soil *

Descriptions:

The accidental or deliberate introduction of dangerous substances into foods, beverages, medications, air, water, soil, and other ingested products.

  • Air Pollution: Contamination of atmosphere caused by accidental or intentional release of harmful chemicals into the air threatening harm to lives or health for which definitive medical care must be instituted.

  • Water and Soil Pollution: A harmful chemical or waste material that is accidentally or intentionally discharged into a water supply or the ground resulting in acute illnesses that require definitive medical care, or damaging the water supply or land so that it is no longer usable.

    • Secondary Effects:

    Medical response to victims' needs, as well as analysis and identification of substances, isolating the contaminant and removing the danger to the public; law enforcement investigations and criminal prosecution, where appropriate; the provision of safe products where necessities are involved i.e., drinking water.

    In addition to health problems, air pollution may adversely affect vegetation and surface water. Strong concentrations of toxic chemicals in the air, water, or soil may be life threatening incidents requiring evacuation of people and necessitating a shelter and mass feeding capability.

    Vulnerability:

    There has been an increasing tendency by terrorists or unstable persons, to use food and medicines for terrorist activities. The potential for the creation of a crisis situation is growing. While the entire State is at risk, the more densely populated areas are higher risks than sparsely populated rural area.

    The entire State is vulnerable to air pollution. Acid rain has been identified throughout the State, primarily from industrial centers in the Midwest. Locally based industries have also contributed to incidences of identifiable air pollution. Ground and water pollution have resulted from transportation accidents. Hazardous materials have lost containment and seeped into soil and water. Leaking petroleum products tanks and improper disposal of hazardous wastes have had the same results.

    At least eight "uncontrolled" hazardous waste sites have been identified in Maine and have received national priority. Another 200 sites require State investigation and possible action. Because much of the drinking water comes from surface sources (frequently used by water utilities in the State) and ground water, the issue of pollution is of grave concern.

    Mitigation:

    Consumer education is the single most effective mitigation measure that can benefit the largest number of people. Improvements by manufacturers in the sealing and packaging of products combined with consumer surveillance can severely limit, if not eliminate, the adverse effects of product tampering. Enforcement of sanitation regulations for the preparation and storing of foods in public facilities and by food processors will also minimize the likelihood of contaminated food reaching an unsuspecting public.

    The Division of Health Engineering of the Department of Human Services has an ongoing program of surveillance of food and lodging services, consumer products, and water quality. The Department of Agriculture also provides consumer protection services with inspection of various products.

    Stronger laws are being created at federal and State levels with stricter enforcement requiring the safe handling, storing, use, and disposal of pollutants. Continued public education will further serve as a tool to limit exposure of the natural resources to harmful agents. Emergency action plans have been developed and are updated periodically by businesses involved in the handling of pollutants. Certifications or licenses are required for those who use many potentially harmful agents, especially in the pesticides and petroleum products categories.

    The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture are primarily involved in licensing, enforcement of regulations and inspections of storage, transportation, usage, and personnel involved with potential pollutants.

    * An occurrence of this hazard could possibly be initiated by a deliberate act.

     

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