Anthrax Risks Persist from Natural and Manmade Occurrences

Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. The B. anthracis spores can remain viable in soil for many years. Anthrax can be found globally in temperate zones, including the United States. Naturally occurring animal anthrax infections in the United States are reported most often in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Anthrax has also been used as a biological weapon. This happened most notably in the United States in 2001 when it was deliberately spread through the postal system. Letters containing anthrax in powder form caused 22 anthrax infections and several deaths.

“Some ten years after the notorious postal anthrax case riveted the U.S., there are still concerns regarding this microorganism,” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. of Indoor Environmental Quality at Clark Seif Clark, a leading provider of indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental testing services. “Anthrax is classified as a Category A agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Category A agents require specific emergency preparedness, and they disproportionately threaten both public health and societal stability,” Denis continued.

“A naturally occurring organism, B. anthracis causes outbreaks worldwide on a fairly regular basis. To give an idea of just how common this bacterium is, just last month, veterinarians and health officials in several U.S. states and Canada warned ranchers along the recently flooded Missouri River to watch for and to report unexplained livestock deaths as they may be the result of anthrax,” added Denis.

CSC has sponsored an educational video about the risks associated with Bacillus anthracis and anthrax that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iJGmTUdx7c

To learn more about how Clark Seif Clark can help with indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, environmental and health and safety projects please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

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