Pollution Report Warns of , Contaminated Water , at Alarming Number of US Beaches.<br />Fox News reports that an estimated , 400 million people , visit beaches every year. .<br />According to new research, U.S. coastlines may <br />contain a number of unseen health hazards.<br />The 2022 Safe for Swimming report from Environment <br />America found that nearly half of U.S. beaches <br />contained unsafe levels of fecal contamination.<br />Of the 3,192 beaches that were tested, <br />55% were found to have unsafe levels of fecal <br />contamination on at least one day of testing.<br />Of the 3,192 beaches that were tested, <br />55% were found to have unsafe levels of fecal <br />contamination on at least one day of testing.<br />Another 363 beaches tested contained <br />unsafe levels of contamination on at least <br />25% of the days testing was conducted.<br />Fox News reports that researchers <br />used the Beach Action Value (BAV) <br />to determine safety levels.<br />The BAV is a tool the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to determine bacteria levels, declare advisories and order beach closures.<br />Beaches are considered "unsafe" if numbers exceed <br />an estimated illness rate of 32 per 1,000 swimmers.<br />Fox News reports that contamination levels varied <br />across the country, with Gulf Coast beaches <br />having the highest contamination numbers. .<br />Fox News reports that contamination levels varied <br />across the country, with Gulf Coast beaches <br />having the highest contamination numbers. .<br />According to the report, beaches on the West Coast <br />were found to be the second-most polluted, with 70% <br />of them having potentially unsafe water. .<br />According to the report, beaches on the West Coast <br />were found to be the second-most polluted, with 70% <br />of them having potentially unsafe water.
