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The ecological disaster in the Odra River is still a mystery – the causes of the contamination of the river are still being investigated. Experts warn that rotting fish, which are massively deposited in it, pose an epidemiological threat. How can contact with these fish harm us? In an interview with Medonet, Dr. Eryk Matuszkiewicz, a toxicologist, explains.
- The sources of contamination of the second largest Polish river are now being identified. Official information shows that the Odra has been found to be highly saline. Reports of mercury compounds in the river have not been confirmed
- Water contamination in the Odra river is of particular concern to the inhabitants of the areas located by the river. In some of them, the river water caused skin irritation
- Contact with poisoned river water can cause unpleasant ailments, but it is even more dangerous to eat fish from the Odra River. It may result in food or bacterial poisoning – says our expert, Dr. Eryk Matuszkiewicz
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Rotting dead fish from the Odra River can be dangerous for us. It threatens us after direct contact
We asked our expert for an opinion on the possible consequences of contact with rotten fish and contaminated water. – As for the inhalation route, if we were, for example, in a cove where these fish decompose, these released gases have an irritating effect. They can cause some respiratory symptoms, e.g. coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath – explains Dr. Eryk Matuszkiewicz.
If such fish were consumed, she adds, the consequences would be even greater. – But it would be much worse to eat them, which would result in food poisoning, bacterial infection, manifested by abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte disturbances – explains the doctor.
Dirty water is toxic and, like dead fish, is a hazard to humans. According to experts, you can find salmonella, dysentery, e.coli bacteria and staphylococci in it.
Odra contamination. Despite the award, the cause of the ecological disaster has still not been established.
So far, information on contamination of the Odra with mercury has not been confirmed, but high salinity of the river has been found.
High salinity makes freshwater fish unable to survive in it, because they are adapted to living in inland water, where the salt concentration is not as high as in the sea.
The lingering, swollen fish from the Odra River are pulled out of the river by services and volunteers, but during the prevailing heat they quickly decompose, which causes a huge stench.
How does contaminated measles affect our body? There are reports of residents around the river
According to the reports of people who had contact with contaminated water, in most cases these were minor allergic reactions.
“I can believe that when fish are dying, anyone who comes into contact with this water may have skin irritation reactions. If the contact is intense and / or prolonged, or someone has sensitive skin, an allergic reaction or even the formation of wounds may occur, says toxicologist Dr. Eryk Matuszkiewicz.
The doctor urges people to avoid swimming in the river and warns against personal verification of its pollution. – We definitely shouldn’t go into that water. We do not bathe in it, do not take it, do not check whether it is really dangerous or not – warns the medic.
Recently a woman whose dog had a “bath” in the Oder came to him. As she pulled it out and washed it, she saw that the skin on her hands was irritated and red.