The topic of heavy metals in household items has many individuals concerned for their safety. In order to understand the health effects of heavy metals, we first have to understand what that means. Metals in the environment are naturally occurring, and humans and animals have been exposed to some level of metals in their homes, food, and water, for a long time.

Forensics is a broad word, encompassing a variety of scientific subjects culminating in providing clear and specific evidence for a singular purpose. Environmental forensics allows scientists to test various areas for contamination and has a history going back hundreds of years. Even before microscopes, the educated crime fighters of the day still gathered soil and water samples in an attempt to analyze them and solve cases. While the testing methods were crude and hardly accurate, humans understood that the soil, air, and water held numerous organisms that could help or hurt us. 

Legionella is a commonly found bacteria in lakes, rivers, and ponds at low levels. This bacteria needs water to flourish, but it is relatively harmless when contained in a natural body of water. However, sometimes legionella bacteria makes its way into stagnant water systems, like water cooling systems, fountains, and hot tubs. When it does, it can potentially infect humans and cause Legionnaires disease. This serious respiratory illness may be fatal, especially to those over 50 years of age or otherwise immunocompromised. 

Train derailments, such as the recent disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, bring unfortunate but necessary attention to the threat that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose when released via toxic plume. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region V, “approximately 20 rail cards were listed as carrying hazardous materials. Cars containing vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether are known to have been and continue to be released into the air, surface soils, and surface waters.”

Every year, there are at least 100 cases of Legionnaire’s disease in the United States alone, and scientists estimate that number is much higher—many don’t get diagnosed. The state health department or CDC launches an investigation whenever individuals are diagnosed with Legionnaires. Legionnaire’s disease is directly caused by legionella bacteria in water systems. The hotels, restaurants, resorts, and housing complexes are now liable for endangering the health of their customers and tenants.