The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68479

D. Kevin Horton, MSPH¹, Zahava Berkowitz, MSc¹, and Wendy E. Kaye, PhD². (1) Division of Health Studies/Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Mailstop E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-0571, DHorton@cdc.gov, (2) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Health Studies, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Mailstop E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333

Thousands of hazardous materials (HazMat) releases occur annually throughout the United States. To prevent human exposure and injuries resulting from these releases, it is critical to understand where and how these events originated. HazMat events data from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system were analyzed by the major industry categories as specified by the U.S. Census Bureau. The objective of the analysis was to determine the point of origin and corresponding causal factors for these HazMat releases. The data analyzed were collected from 17 participating state health departments for the period 1993 through 2001, during which 53,142 HazMat events occurred. Of the 14 major industrial categories analyzed, the Manufacturing category—with 25,902 total events—had the most(48.7%). Texas had the most releases, comprising 38.3% (n=25,902) of all HSEES events. The causal factors leading to most releases were equipment failure and human error. Knowing the geographic areas and industries in which HazMat releases most often tend to occur can help communities, government agencies, and industries to better prepare for future potential events and injuries resulting from hazardous substance releases.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: (
• describe the leading states and geographic regions where HazMat events are occurring; (
• determine the major industry categories with the most releases; (
• determine the major causal factors leading to releases; and (
• identify strategies that may help reduce potential events and injuries in the future.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Chemical Analyses

Related Web page: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HS/HSEES/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Organization/Relationship: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Health Studies, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.