Beaches in a number of East Coast states were closed off to the public after medical waste including needles washed ashore.
While beaches remain closed in Maryland and Virginia, swimming bans have been lifted Delaware.
On Sunday, officials closed beaches along the Maryland coast after “a significant amount of medical waste” was washed ashore at Assateague State Park.
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Following the discovery, bans were put in place for swimming, wading and surfing.
(1/3) Assateague State Park - Status update 9/18/24
— Maryland State Parks (@MDStateParks) September 18, 2024
We continue to closely monitor the beach and are seeing a significant decrease in the amount of debris washing ashore, primarily small plastic pieces and almost none of which is any form of medical waste. pic.twitter.com/fGhjXjxFgC
According to the US Sun, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed to the outlet that rangers found hypodermic needles and colored needle caps in addition to “feminine hygiene products and cigarillo cigar tips”.
Hugh Hawthorne, from Assateague Island National Seashore, said that authorities were still investigating the origin of the debris, according to WBOC.
“It seems to be mainly diabetic-type insulin needles,” he told the outlet.
“We’re also seeing a lot of feminine hygiene products and miscellaneous plastic, like bottle caps.”
Most of the clean-up efforts took place on Sunday, with less items found washing up on Monday.
In an update yesterday, Maryland State Parks said: “We continue to closely monitor the beach and are seeing a significant decrease in the amount of debris washing ashore, primarily small plastic pieces and almost none of which is any form of medical waste.”
“Due to the near-tropical storm passing through, surf conditions are very rough with a high risk of rip currents.
“Restrictions remain in place for no swimming/no ocean access. We advise beach visitors to wear shoes and use caution when on the beach/near the ocean,” they added.
Restrictions are expected to be lifted by the weekend as the amount of debris reduces.
Neighbouring states of Virginia and Delaware were also impacted by the issue.
DNREC has received reports of medical waste washing ashore on coastal beaches and we want to assure everyone that our emergency response teams are actively monitoring the situation. We are working closely with FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard as they investigate this incident.
— Delaware DNREC (@DelawareDNREC) September 18, 2024
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) said: “We want to assure everyone that our emergency response teams are actively monitoring the situation.”
“We are working closely with FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard as they investigate this incident.”
Medical waste poses serious risks to human health and plastic waste on beaches is also a threat to marine life.
Beachgoers are advised to continue to take care when walking along beaches in impacted states.
