Last year, hundreds of soiled syringes were found throughout Laval during the snow melt.
Watch out for dirty syringes
As snow melts, nasty surprises lie underneath
Melting snow can reveal many surprises. The Public Health department in Laval (PHD) is making a point again this year of informing the population of the danger of soiled syringes lying underneath the snow banks melting throughout the island.
Over the last five years the organization has multiplied prevention campaigns to inform people of the dangers related to handling these objects. "The strategy seems to function well. Accidental punctures in Laval are rare, but we insist on prevention anyway," said Nadia Campanelli, in charge of recovering syringes with the PHD.
Recurring problem
"Every year, especially with the winter we just had, a few syringes are found all over the area", said Martine Caza-Lenghan, director of the communications with the PHD. "Unfortunately there is no control over drug addicts; we can’t follow them everywhere to see what they do. What we can do on the other hand, is work with the organizations on the ground to give information to users. Our goal is to inform adults about how to collect these items,” said Caza-Lenghan.
@R:In 2007, hundreds of soiled syringes was found throughout Laval during the snow melt. "It’s certain that some areas are affected more than others," said Campanelli. Among the sectors at the risk are Laval-des-Rapids, Pont-Viau and Chomedey. " Last year there was a problem with prostitution in Chomedy, said Nathalie Lorrain, spokesperson for the Laval Police. "There were many addicts in the area but a clean up took place. We took down at least ten drug sites," she said.
A small girl was accidentally pricked in the Chomedey district, causing a media frenzy. "We have been working with the police force and the CLSC on prevention measures that will inform the students of the risks related to these objects," said Jean-Pierre Archambault, director of communications with the CSDL.
Among the most widespread infections one can contract if touching a syringe are HIV and Hepatitis C according to the PHD. "A large proportion of drug addicts who inject contract hepatitis C by exchanging their syringes. They often do this because they don’t have access to sterile material,” said Campanelli.
To address this problem many organizations have set out to supply drug addicts with sterile syringes and injection equipment. Among them are Sida-Vie Laval, Oasis, and Travail de rue Laval. "These organizations act from the vantage point of reducing mishaps. By providing sterile material they prevent drug addicts from contracting diseases. "Since we are aware that they do it, we prefer they do it in a safe way," said Campanelli.
To report a syringe found or to obtain information on how to collect one if found, citizens can call the Info-Santé phone line. Compartments to collect syringes are also available in the majority of Laval pharmacies.
PHOTOS.COM 19081587 (photos.com)
Météo: Laval, 18 juillet 2008 / 19°C
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/ Vents: 11 Km/h / Humidité relative: 88 % 
Steven Guilbeault - Chronique environnement
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