Sick Of Climate Change: Extreme Rains Spread Stomach Illnesses

A new study reveals a new reason to chant “Rain, Rain, Go Away!” Research from the School of Public Health at Boston University has found that gastrointestinal illnesses increase by as much as 62% during extreme wet weather events in communities with combined sewer systems. In these systems, the excess rainfall can cause combined sewer overflows (CSOs), that bring a mix of stormwater and wastewater up onto the streets, into rivers and other water bodies, and even back up into people’s yards or homes.

“The discharge from [combined sewer overflows] contains contaminants that are harmful to humans and aquatic ecosystems, including sewage-associated pathogens, heavy metals, microplastics, and toxic chemicals,” said Beth Haley, lead author of the Boston University research.