Work

Exposure to chemical and toxic elements following Hurricane Harvey

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: TPS 634: Health effects of pops, voc and other chemicals, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: Hurricane Harvey caused extensive damage to the Texas coast, particularly to the greater-Houston area, potentially exposing residents to a number of chemical and toxic substances. Houston has numerous industrial plants as well as natural gas and oil refineries. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, at least 13 of 41 Houston Superfund sites were flooded as a consequence of the storm. Methods: Our research team was in Houston less than 3-weeks after Hurricane Harvey made landfall, with a second team in Houston approximately 5 months later. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants (> 18 years old), who completed a questionnaire. Results: A total of 202 Houston residents participated in this study; 41 during the first visit and an additional 161during the second visit. A total of 27 (13%) reported being exposed to some sort of dirty or contaminated water, with 8 (4%) reporting exposure to gas or petroleum; 52 (26%) participants reported being exposed to debris caused by the storm; 64 (32%) participants reported some type of Harvey related chemical or toxic exposure. Conclusion: As a consequence of Hurricane Harvey, Houston residents may have been exposed to chemical and toxic agents, the health effects of which still need to be explored. We are currently evaluating saliva samples, also collected during our visits to Houston, for the presence of heavy metals and other carcinogens. As an impact of climate change, future flood events are likely to happen in Houston. This, in combination with the high number of superfund sites and chemical facilities, suggests that actions need to be taken now to prevent any future release of hazardous materials that may harm the public.

Source: Environmental Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1097/01.ee9.0000608508.83637.0a