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

Abstract #70322

Zahava Berkowitz, MSc, MSPH¹, D. Kevin Horton, MSPH¹, 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, 404-498-0574, zab3@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

Data from 16 states in different geographic areas of the United States during 1993-2000 were used to examine factors associated with severe events involving acute release of hazardous substances, defined as any death and/or many casualties transported to a hospital. The analysis compares these events in rural/agricultural and in all other areas. Of a total of 43,127 events, 6,659 occurred in rural areas. There were 107 severe events in rural areas, with 632 victims, of whom 91 died and 77 were hospitalized. All other areas had 472 severe events with 7,980 victims, of whom 116 died and 413 were hospitalized. Severe events in rural areas were more likely to be associated with transportation (RR=4.09) and fires and/or explosions (RR=1.40) than were events in all other areas. Among transportation-related events in rural areas, 19 were associated with air-transport -mainly crop dusters and aerial applicators- that resulted in 18 deaths. Responders were three times more likely to be injured in rural areas. Of responders, volunteer firefighters constituted 52% compared with 6.4% in all other areas. Most frequently released chemicals in rural/agricultural areas were ammonia, chlorine and pesticides. In all other areas ammonia, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide and o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile, a tearing agent often associated with an illegal or unauthorized act, were most frequently released. Prevention activities including enforcing regulations, regular inspections of system processes, equipment and storage areas, clear instructions regarding compatibility when mixing materials, and training of personnel and HazMat teams might reduce the number of events, casualties, and cost.

Learning Objectives:

• The objectives of this presentation are as follows: 1)highlight the factors associated with HazMat events involving death and/or mass casualty 2)comapre adverse health effects in these events occurring in rural/agricultural and all other areas in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Occupational Injury and Death

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.