Jordan Ellis
Abel Wolman was an American engineer, educator, and pioneer of modern sanitary engineering. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1892 and died in 1989 at the age of 96. Wolman is best known for his research with Linn Enslow on the chlorination of Baltimore's municipal water supply, which has contributed to the distribution of safe municipal water supplies globally. In recognition of his achievements, he received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the Lasker Award and the National Medal of Science.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Abel Wolman's life and career
Abel Wolman, born on June 10, 1892, in Baltimore, Maryland, was an American engineer, educator, and pioneer of modern sanitary engineering. He was the fourth eldest child of Polish-Jewish immigrants, Louis and Rose Wachsman Wolman. Wolman received his high school education from Baltimore City College in 1909 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in 1913 as a pre-med major from Johns Hopkins University. Although he initially aspired to become a doctor, his mother encouraged him to pursue a degree in engineering.
In 1915, Wolman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, becoming the fourth person to receive a degree from this newly established program. He began his career in public health in 1914 as an assistant engineer with the United States Public Health Service, where he studied the water quality of the Potomac River. Wolman's early work set the foundation for his significant contributions to water treatment and sanitation.
Wolman played a pivotal role in developing a dependable water treatment method, addressing the challenges posed by waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever and dysentery. Collaborating with chemist Linn H. Enslow, a former classmate at Johns Hopkins, Wolman devised a method to determine the appropriate dose of chlorine for any source of water. By considering factors such as bacterial content, acidity, and desired taste and purity, they established a standard formula for safe water chlorination. This formula has been widely adopted by water treatment plants worldwide, significantly reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
In 1922, Wolman became the Chief Engineer of the Maryland State Department of Health, serving in this role until 1939. He also chaired the state Planning Commission and served as chief engineer for the Federal Emergency Administration and the Public Works Administration in Delaware and Maryland. In 1937, Wolman commenced his academic career at Johns Hopkins University as a Professor of Sanitary Engineering, simultaneously serving as the chairman of the Department of Sanitary Engineering. He lectured at prestigious universities, including Harvard, Princeton, the University of Southern California, and the University of Chicago.
Throughout his career, Wolman designed water systems in various US cities, including Baltimore, Detroit, and Seattle, and provided consulting services to many governments and municipalities. He actively promoted the integration of engineering and public health, establishing the Department of Sanitary Engineering at Johns Hopkins. He served as a delegate to the World Health Organization in 1946 and advocated for the inclusion of environmental health in its constitution.
Wolman's groundbreaking work in water treatment and sanitation earned him numerous awards and recognitions. He received the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, the Ben Gurion Award, the American Water Works Association Award, and the Robert E. Horton Medal, among others. In 1986, the City of Baltimore renamed its public works building the Abel Wolman Municipal Building to honour his contributions. Wolman passed away on February 22, 1989, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of improved public health and sanitation through his pioneering work in sanitary engineering.
Hospitality Industry: Strategies to Boost Revenue and Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
His work in water chlorination
Abel Wolman, an American engineer, educator, and pioneer of modern sanitary engineering, is best known for his work in water chlorination. In 1915, Wolman graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Johns Hopkins University and began working for the Maryland State Department of Health. At the time, some cities in the US and other countries had started using chlorine to treat water. However, due to varying levels of bacteria in water from different sources, technicians struggled to determine the appropriate amount of chlorine needed to make the water safe to drink.
Wolman, along with chemist Linn H. Enslow, a former classmate at Hopkins, developed a method to determine the correct dose of chlorine required to purify water from any source. They began by observing the rate of chlorine absorption in water samples that differed in bacteria, colour, turbidity, oxidizable compounds, and other purity factors. They then performed statistical analyses on the observed rates of chlorine absorption and proposed a chemical technique to determine the effective disinfection dosage required to eliminate bacterial life in the water. This formula, perfected in 1923, is still used today by water treatment plants worldwide and has contributed to the distribution of safe municipal water supplies globally.
Wolman and Enslow's research laid the foundation for water purification across the world. Their formula was applied to Maryland's drinking water supply, and by 1930, typhoid cases in the state had declined by 92%. By 1941, 85% of all US water systems used the formula, and it was later adopted worldwide. Wolman also designed water systems in several US cities, including Baltimore, Detroit, Seattle, and Portland, and advised the governments of over 40 countries, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Israel.
For his contributions to public health, Wolman received numerous awards, including the Sedgwick Memorial Medal by the American Public Health Association in 1948 and the Albert Lasker Special Award in Public Health in 1960. In recognition of his impact on water treatment and safe drinking water, the American Water Works Association has annually presented the Abel Wolman Award of Excellence since 1985.
Jefferson Hospital: Is It a Critical Access Facility?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Vakly Extra Large Super-Absorbent Contoured Hospital Style Pad Liners [Pack of 40] 7" Wide X 14" Long - Maternity Pads for Heavier Post Birth Protection - Incontinence Liners 7x14 inches](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tRex25D8L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Awards and recognition
Abel Wolman received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to public health and engineering. In 1948, he was awarded the Sedgwick Memorial Medal by the American Public Health Association for his work in the field of public health. He also received the Albert Lasker Award in Public Health in 1960, recognising his outstanding contributions to research related to diseases and public health.
Wolman also received the Lasker Award, though the year of this award is unclear. He was further recognised with the National Medal of Science, an award that complemented his other accolades, including the numerous tributes made in his honour following his death.
Since 1985, the American Water Works Association has annually presented the Abel Wolman Award of Excellence to individuals working in the water industry. In 1966, Johns Hopkins University named a dormitory Wolman Hall, and in 1986, the City of Baltimore renamed its public works building the Abel Wolman Municipal Building to honour his service to the city.
In addition to these awards, Wolman was a founding member of the Water Pollution Control Federation (now the Water Environment Federation) and served as president of the American Public Health Association and president of the American Water Works Association. He was also editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Water Works Association and editor of the Manual of Water Works Practice.
Hospital Natural Birth: A Step-by-Step Guide for Moms-to-Be
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Personal life and death
Abel Wolman, an American engineer, educator, and pioneer of modern sanitary engineering, was born on June 10, 1892, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the fourth eldest child of Polish-Jewish immigrants, Louis and Rose Wachsman Wolman. Wolman received his high school education from Baltimore City College in 1909 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1913 as a pre-med major from Johns Hopkins University.
In his personal life, Wolman married Anna Gordon in 1919, and the couple had a son named Markley (M.) Gordon Wolman. Wolman was known for his lively and witty personality, and he was well-regarded by his students and colleagues. He was described as well-organized, perceptive, and always dedicated to his work and the people it served.
Wolman's career spanned several decades and included various notable achievements and contributions to the fields of engineering, public health, and sanitation. He worked with the Maryland State Department of Health and the U.S. Public Health Service, where he focused on water quality and sanitation. Along with Linn Enslow, he developed a method for controlled chlorination of drinking water, ensuring safe drinking water worldwide. He lectured at prestigious universities, advised governments worldwide, and served as a consultant to multiple organizations. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including the Sedgwick Memorial Medal and the Albert Lasker Special Award in Public Health.
Abel Wolman passed away on February 22, 1989, at the age of 96, at his home in Baltimore, Maryland. His legacy includes the annual presentation of the Abel Wolman Award of Excellence by the American Water Works Association and the renaming of the public works building in Baltimore as the Abel Wolman Municipal Building in his honour.
How Hospitals Treat Broken Fingers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Legacy and impact
Abel Wolman's legacy and impact are evident in the significant contributions he made to the fields of sanitary engineering, environmental and public health, and engineering professional societies. His research with Linn Enslow on the chlorination of water supplies transformed water treatment and provided safe drinking water worldwide. The formula they developed, which takes into account bacteria, acidity, and other factors, is still used today and has helped reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases like typhoid fever.
Wolman's impact extended beyond his pioneering work in water treatment. He was a prolific writer and contributed to various professional journals, publishing hundreds of articles on diverse subjects, including water, health, sanitation, pollution control, and public health policy. He served as editor or associate editor for several prestigious publications, including the Journal of Public Health, the American Journal of Public Health, and the Journal of the American Water Works Association. His expertise was sought internationally, and he advised over 40 governments, including Brazil, Israel, and Sri Lanka.
Wolman's dedication to public health and sanitation earned him numerous awards and recognition. He received the Sedgwick Memorial Medal from the American Public Health Association in 1948 and the Albert Lasker Special Award in Public Health in 1960. The American Water Works Association has annually presented the Abel Wolman Award of Excellence since 1985. Johns Hopkins University, his alma mater, named a dormitory after him, and the City of Baltimore renamed its public works building in his honour.
Wolman's impact on public health and sanitation extended beyond his lifetime. His advocacy for a national water policy and his early calls for industry to address environmental pollution were ahead of their time. His work laid the foundation for the development of viable solutions to tackle water shortages, waste disposal, and air pollution issues. Wolman's legacy is that of a dedicated engineer, educator, and pioneer who improved the lives of millions by ensuring access to safe drinking water and contributing to the advancement of public health practices and environmental protection.
Avenue Hospital Maternity Care: NHIF Coverage Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Abel Wolman was born in Baltimore, Maryland.
Abel Wolman was born on June 10, 1892.
Abel Wolman was born to Louis and Rose Wachsman Wolman.
Abel Wolman was the fourth eldest child of six children.
![Natural Hospital Birth by Gabriel, Cynthia. (Harvard Common Press,2011) [Paperback]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wMibmwEEL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
