|
|
|
|
|
Karolina AH Schabses, MPH, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, 547 River Street, Room 200, Troy, NY 12180, 518-402-7950, kah14@health.state.ny.us
On January 5, 2002, the Diaz Chemical Corporation in the Village of Holley, Orleans County, New York, accidentally released a mixture consisting primarily of toluene, water (steam), and 2-chloro-6-fluorophenol (CFP) into outdoor air. Soon after the chemical release, people complained of acute health effects such as sore throats, headaches, eye irritation, nosebleeds, and skin rashes. The New York State Department of Health developed urine biomonitoring, environmental sampling, and analytical methods to define the extent of contamination and evaluate people’s exposure to CFP. Some residents relocated out of the area due to concerns about exposure.
Between January and December 2002, five rounds of urine sampling were conducted with 337 urine samples collected. CFP was detected in all five rounds with the levels generally decreasing over time. Residents immediately northeast of the facility were more likely to have a detectable level of CFP than those outside this area. A survey was administered at the time of each urine sampling round to collect personal activities and self-reported health symptoms. Symptoms such as sore throat, headache, nose irritation and eye irritation were more commonly reported immediately after the release in January.
Due to limited information concerning low level CFP exposures and health effects, issues arose about the usefulness of biomonitoring. It is uncertain if providing specific urine CFP levels was helpful to residents in making risk management decisions. Future steps will assist in determining the effectiveness of biomonitoring programs and their impact on participating communities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Environmental Health
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.