Flood victims in the Midwest are worried about what’s in the water they’re wading through, and concerns over its potential for creating sickness and disease are mounting. Not only has the flood contaminated drinking water and forced people out of their homes, but reports of all manner of noxious refuse have been seen floating in the water in downtown Cedar Rapids, including propane tanks, drums labeled corrosive, railroad ties, pesticides, and dead birds and fish. In addition to the poisoned water, millions of mosquitoes are spawning over the stagnant floodwaters.

On Monday, Bob Lanz used a 22-foot aluminum flatboat to navigate through downtown Oakville, where water reeked of pig feces and diesel fuel.

“You can hardly stand it,” Lanz said as he surveyed what remained of his family’s hog farm. “It’s strong.” [MSNBC.com]

Ken Sharp, environmental health director for the Iowa Department of Public Health, has acknowledged that the water has the potential for making people ill, but the sheer volume of water would dilute any substances that could cause serious harm. Still, hundreds of people lined up at a downtown clinic on Sunday to receive free tetanus shots after receiving warnings about the potential danger of wading through the water.

LeRoy Lippert, chairman of emergency management and homeland security in Des Moines County, warned people to avoid the floodwaters: “If you drink this water and live, tell me about it. You have no idea. It is very, very wise to stay out of it. It’s as dangerous as anything.” [MSNBC.com]

For more on this story, visit MSNBC and read the full article. takepart and find out how to assist the American Red Cross in their efforts to bring relief to flood victims across the Midwest.

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