UB environmental engineer addresses health concerns related to Hurricane Harvey

Published September 1, 2017 This content is archived.

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In an interview with WBFO, Jim Jensen, a faculty member in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, stated that the likelihood of a disease outbreak resulting from the flood waters in Texas is low.

Jensen, who specializes in drinking water and wastewater treatment research, said "The water quality really wasn't as bad as you might think it would be," referring to the heavy rain from Katrina, which helped to dilute exposed sewage and chemicals.

"Most of the health issues there were from mold that occurred days and weeks after the flood waters receded."

Jensen led a rapid response team from UB to examine drinking water after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005.

If you would like to donate to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, please follow the link below to the American Red Cross.

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