Authorities have closed beaches in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware after a considerable amount of medical waste, including used needles and feminine hygiene products, washed ashore, prompting serious health concerns and prohibitions on swimming and other water activities.
Crews discovered nearly 50 hypodermic needles and enough waste material to fill a five-gallon bucket along the Assateague Island coastline, raising alarm for surrounding coastal areas where swimmers had not yet encountered the hazardous materials.
The National Park Service stated they were uncertain about the source of the medical waste, emphasizing their commitment to safety as officials restricted beach activities and advised beachgoers to wear shoes and avoid the ocean until further notice.
The situation underscores the recurring issue of dangerous materials being scattered along the eastern seaboard, with officials recalling a similar incident in 2021 when floodwaters caused sewage releases in the New York City harbor.
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