Scoop, I was dismayed reading this and sent off an urgent email asking Dr Falkinham if you were correct about white water rafting. Since he says bottled spring water is ok, I hoped flowing rivers are. Unfortunately, you’re right.

Here’s his answer.
“The advice you hear at the Mayo Connect group is correct.

Rivers represent surface water that is unfiltered (unlike spring or ground water) and subject to flowing through forests where the NTM grow.

The only mitigating factor concerning river rafting is that the NTM aerosols are diluted by the large volume of air.”

He’s wonderful to answer our questions quickly.

I asked because late hubby and I were big paddlers and daughter grew up doing long river trips in summer (lived in Alaska).. I’ve continued to do something each summer since his death-sometimes big adventures like the Tatshenshini and other years just quick lake paddles. This summer, it’ll be a 50 year streak of paddling/floating each summer. Also, this summer, my youngest grandchild will be 6, the age some outfitters allow kids to go on some moderate trips. We’ve been waiting for that so whole family can go.

At least now, I know the risk. I can pick trips with lower rated rapids, breezy days and let grandkids sit to take the spray. ? Maybe