Work

Long-Term Mental Health Findings and Concerns After Potential Exposure to Petroleum in Drinking Water on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, November 20, 2021–February 24, 2023

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: An estimated 93,000 persons were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with petroleum jet propellant (JP)-5 fuel after a November 20, 2021, leak at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, Hawaii. Previous investigations identified the need to evaluate long-term mental health effects associated with JP-5 exposure. METHODS: We identified adults potentially exposed to jet fuel-contaminated water during November 20, 2021-March 18, 2022, who sought care within the military health system through February 24, 2023. We abstracted a sample of electronic medical records and categorized documented mental health conditions and symptoms as "worsening preexisting" or "persistent new." We also assessed mental health-related medication use before and after November 20, 2021. RESULTS: We abstracted medical charts for 411 adults potentially exposed to jet fuel-contaminated water. Of this cohort, 123 (29.9%) had documented worsening preexisting mental health conditions or symptoms, 86 (20.9%) had persistent new mental health conditions or symptoms, and 109 (26.5%) had at least one mental health-related medication prescribed after the exposure event. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight mental health needs during and after water contamination events. Continued access to mental health care services and monitoring for long-term mental health effects is recommended.

Source: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2025.10207