Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113746

Wendy A. Wattigney, MStat, Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. (MS-31), Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-0561, wdw0@cdc.gov and Maureen F. Orr, MS, Division of Health Studies/Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Mail stop E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333.

The Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system is a comprehensive, state-based program developed to capture information on the acute release of non-petroleum hazardous substances and the resulting public health consequences. The program has been funded and maintained by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry since 1990. Of the 48,780 events reported for 1996-2002, 8% percent (3,872/48,780) resulted in 13,794 victims. Victims are defined as persons who suffered at least one adverse health effect or died as a consequence of the event. Of the 13,794 victims identified, 14% (1,999/13,794) were children younger than 18 years of age. These 1,999 events occurred most often in schools, private households, or places of entertainment. The most frequently released substances included ammonia, chlorine, and carbon monoxide. Human error, equipment failure or an illegal act were the most common contributing factors. Analysis of HSEES data helps identify risk factors associated with hazardous substances releases. On the basis of state-specific analyses of HSEES data, participating states have been able to develop public safety interventions and formulate guidelines and policies to help reduce the number of events (primary prevention) and the morbidity and mortality associated with these events (secondary prevention). This presentation will describe the circumstances surrounding the acute exposure of children to hazardous substances and examples of data driven prevention activities.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants wil lb eable to

• Describe characteristics associated with acute release of hazardous substances that result in injury to children.
• Understand the prevalence and severity of child injury due to hazardous substance releases.
• Acquire knowledge of data driven policy and prevention activities to reduce the number of hazardous substance exposures to children and associated injuries.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Children and Adolescents

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

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.