The Effect of Prior Mental Health on Persistent Physical Symptoms after Exposure to a Chemical Disaster.

A styrene monomer (SM) oil vapor leak occurred at a chemical plant in Seosan, South Korea on 17 May 2019. A bad odor developed, and many residents complained of various symptoms and visited nearby medical institutions. We analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients treated at local hospitals and clinics for symptoms related to SM exposure, and identified factors affecting symptom persistence in any organ. Data were collected by the main Seosan office, and 1201 (33.0%) subjects agreed to participate in this study. We used the Assessment of Chemical Exposure toolkit of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether mental health symptoms prior to the accident were risk factors for symptom persistence. The strongest risk factor for persistence of at least one symptom in any organ was a preexisting mental health symptom (odds ratio [OR] = 5.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.57-11.65). Persistent symptoms of the nervous (OR = 1.54), musculoskeletal (OR = 1.92), and gastrointestinal (OR = 1.45) systems were observed. Prior mental health symptoms are risk factors for persistent physical symptoms after a chemical disaster. After a disaster, management of individuals with preaccident mental symptoms or disease is needed.

Prediction of time in industrial chemical accidents: A survival analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chemical accidents have imposed casualties and high economic and social consequences to Iranian industries and society. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of risk factors involved in occurrences of the chemical accidents and predicted the time of occurrences in Iranian chemical factories. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was implemented in 574 chemical facilities with more than 25 employees from 2018 to 2020. Collecting data instruments were 2 checklists with 15 and 25 three-point Likert scale questions, respectively. Chi square and Monte Carlo tests assessed the relationships between independent risk factors and dependent hazardous chemical accidents. Cox semi-parametric and log-normal parametric models were used to predict the upcoming time of chemical accidents based on the impacts of risk factors understudy. Data analyses were performed using Stata and R software. RESULTS: The results showed that safety data sheets, labeling, fire extinguishing system, safe chemicals storage, separation, loading, transportation and training were statistically significant with occurrences of the chemical accidents (P-value < 0.05). Loading and transportation were mostly related to chemical incidents and reduced significantly the expected time of chemical events (P-value = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Establishing a comprehensive chemical accidents dataset and strict governmental supervision on chemical safety regulations are suggested to decrease the chemical accidents at regional and local levels in chemical plants.

Sudden deaths due to accidental leakage of Lindane from a storage tank in a village, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2020: A field epidemiological investigation.

Background: Chemical leakages cause devastating health effects on humans. On 6 February 2020, seven deaths were reported following a hazardous chemical leakage in a village in Uttar Pradesh, India. We investigated the event to identify the cause and propose recommendations. Methods: We defined a case as sudden onset of breathlessness, headache, or death in the village, 6-7 February 2020. We conducted a house-to-house case search and calculated attack rate (AR) and case-fatality rate (CFR) by age and gender. We conducted an environmental investigation at the leakage site and sent the chemicals for forensic analysis. We obtained the cause of death through autopsy reports. Results: Out of 2,942 residents, we identified 23 cases (AR = 8/1,000) and seven deaths (CFR = 30%). The median age of the case was 42 years (range, 2-64 years). The AR was higher among males (14/1,000 [19/1,402]). All the 23 case-patients who were sleeping at the chemical leakage site or visited to witness the event developed symptoms, and all seven cases who were sleeping within 150 meters of the leakage site died. The environmental investigation revealed leakage of hazardous substances from the storage tank. Toxicology analysis confirmed the leaked chemical as Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane), and autopsy reports confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia. Conclusions: Asphyxia following the leakage of Lindane from the storage tank possibly led to sudden deaths. We recommend using leak-proof tanks to ensure safe storage and disposal, law enforcement, and regulations to prevent people from staying close to chemical storage sites.

Soil assessment after chemical accidents using metabolic profiling and microbial community evaluation.

This study investigated the effects of accidental contamination of soils with phenol, toluene, nitric acid, and hydrogen fluoride (HF) by simulating chemical leakage in the soil with/without rain and characterizing the resulting metabolites and microbial. In the case of acid leakage, pH and cation exchange capacity were decreased, and the content of fluoride ion was increased in case of HF leakage. Using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis, phytosphingosine was detected as a distinguishing metabolite in soils contaminated with phenol and HF in rain conditions. Microbial communities were identified by 16s rRNA metagenome sequencing. Sphingomonas was one of the dominant species in soils contaminated with phenol and HF. These results suggest that phytosphingosine and Sphingomonas might be used as biomarkers to evaluate the status of soils contaminated with phenol or HF. Under simulated rain conditions, the species alpha-diversity index of soil microbes and the physicochemical properties of the soil indicated values close to those of the uncontaminated soil. Rain played an important role in the recovery of microbial and metabolic profiles after chemical accidents. Metabolic profiling and microbial community analysis can serve as a diagnostic tool for ecotoxicological research at chemical accident sites.

A multidisciplinary assessment of the impact of spilled acids on geoecosystems: an overview.

We developed and applied a multidisciplinary approach to the impact of an accidentally spilled acid on the underlying geomedia and subsurface environment, based on the concept of geoecosystem. We used mineralogical, geochemical, microbiological, and ecotoxicological techniques to identify and assess the multiple aspects involved. First, we constructed a conceptual model for the acid interactions with the underlying subsurface environment by introducing the concept of a geoecosystem-a multicomponent system composed of inorganic, organic, and biological components to describe the subsurface environment. Second, we designed and manufactured a two dimensional cell to visualize acid transport through geomedia. Third, we hypothesized that the acids are neutralized through dissolution of minerals and protonation of functional groups on the surfaces of minerals and organic matter. We tested this hypothesis by conducting batch-type geomedia-acid reaction and surface titration experiments. Fourth, we observed changes in soil microbial communities before and after the acid exposure and neutralization treatment. Fifth, we performed flow-through experiments using columns packed with soil samples pre-contaminated with arsenic to investigate potential longer term, secondary effects of remnant acids on geoecosystems. Finally, we conducted ecotoxicological investigations using various geomedia and observed that suitability of the geoecosystem as a habitat deteriorated to different degrees depending on the respective systems' acid neutralizing power. We conclude that a holistic understanding of the interactions among the multiple components of geoecosystems and subsequent estimation of the influenced area requires a multidisciplinary approach such as those used in this study. Based on the findings of this study, we propose geoecosystems' vulnerability defined as the reciprocal of their acid-neutralizing capacity against the moving acid fronts and present this concept as central to a quantitative assessment of the impact of acid spills on geoecosystems. We also inventoried the essential components, factors, and parameters necessary in developing geoecosystems' acid vulnerability assessment system.

Cause Analysis of Unsafe Behaviors in Hazardous Chemical Accidents: Combined with HFACs and Bayesian Network.

Hazardous chemical accidents (HCAs) seriously endanger public life, property, and health. Human and organizational factors are important causes of many kinds of accidents. In order to systematically explore the influencing factors of unsafe behaviors in HCAs in China, the method of human factors analysis and classification system based on the Bayesian network (BN-HFACs) was introduced. According to the 39 investigation reports of HCAs in China, the origin Bayesian network (BN) was obtained and the failure sensitivity of every node in BN was calculated. The results have shown that hazardous material environment (1.63) and mechanical equipment (0.49) in the level of preconditions of unsafe behavior have the same direction failure effect with operation error, while there is no factor has the same direction failure effect with operation violate. Some factors in organization influence and unsafe supervision, such as organization climate (0.34), operation guidance (0.37), planned operation (0.22), and legal supervision (0.19), are also important reasons for operational errors, while resource management (0.12), hidden investigation (0.18) and legal supervision (0.13) have an impact on operation violates. Moreover, there are still close relationships between other hierarchical elements, such as the operation guidance effect on the hazardous material environment (6.60), and the organizational climate has the most obvious impact on other factors at the level of organizational factors. Based on the above research conclusions, suggestions for individual, enterprise, and government were put forward, respectively, and the limitations of this study were also clarified.

A Putative Adverse Outcome Pathway Relevant to Carcinogenicity Induced by Sulfuric Acid in Strong Inorganic Acid Mists.

Based on epidemiological studies, an International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group determined that strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid are carcinogenic to human even though, sulfuric acid, per se, is not. Accumulative studies indicate that there is a link between chronic occupational exposure to sulfuric acid mists and an increased risk of laryngeal cancer. Unintended, acute exposure to sulfuric acid mists can cause corrosive damage to target tissues depending on the route of exposure. This review compares the toxicity and carcinogenicity of sulfuric acid mists compared to other strong inorganic acid mists. It also examines the routes and duration of exposure (short-term, prolonged, and long-term). In vivo evidence does not support or refute the carcinogenicity of sulfuric inorganic mists even though its co-carcinogenic or promoting potential has been considered. On the basis of existing evidence on sulfuric acid mist toxicity, we suggested a putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP) relevant to carcinogenicity caused by mists containing sulfuric acid. A possible key factor involved in sulfuric acid mist carcinogenesis is the genotoxic effects of low pH since it can increase instability in chromosomes and DNA. A putative AOP for sulfuric acid mist carcinogenicity would help generate better risk assessments and more accurate predictions regarding the risk of developing cancer due to prolonged exposure. Establishing an AOP would also be useful for future studies examining the carcinogenicity of other strong inorganic mists.

Gestão de eventos QBRN e a utilização do modelo Hysplit: uma revisão integrativa de literatura / CBRN events management and the use of the Hysplit model: an integrative literature review

RESUMO O potencial risco de exposição das populações aos agentes Químicos, Biológicos, Radioativos e Nucleares (QBRN), seja por causas intencionais ou não, configura-se como questão de segurança nacional e demanda um constante aprimoramento do seu gerenciamento. Os modelos de dispersão atmosférica vêm ganhando destaque como ferramenta de apoio à gestão dos riscos aos agentes QBRN. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar e avaliar estudos que utilizaram o modelo Hysplit no contexto de eventos QBRN. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa de literatura de artigos publicados entre 2014 e 2018, nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Lilacs. A análise dos artigos selecionados permitiu verificar o potencial do uso do modelo Hysplit, enquanto modelo matemático, para compreender o transporte, a dispersão e a deposição de ameaças QBRN liberadas na atmosfera. Os dados produzidos pelas simulações geradas por esse código podem revelar quais áreas serão potencialmente impactadas em um determinado evento ou a região de origem de elementos dispersos no ar. Ademais, o Hysplit pode ser agregado como uma ferramenta de suporte às decisões perante as distintas fases da gestão de eventos QBRN.

ABSTRACT The potential risk of exposure of populations to Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear agents (CBRN), either by intentional causes or not, is a matter of national security and demands a constant improvement in its management. The models of atmospheric dispersion have been gaining prominence as a tool to support the management of risks to CBRN agents. The objective of this research was to identify and evaluate studies that used the Hysplit model in the context of CBRN events. For this purpose, an integrative literature review of published articles was conducted between 2014 and 2018, from the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Lilacs databases. The analysis of the selected articles revealed the potential of the Hysplit model, as a mathematical model, to understand the transport, dispersion and deposition of CBRN threats released into the atmosphere. The data produced by the simulations generated by this code can reveal which areas will be potentially impacted in a given event or the region of origin of elements dispersed in the air. In addition, Hysplit can be aggregated as a decisions support tool in the different phases of CBRN event management.

Assessing human vulnerability in industrial chemical accidents: a qualitative and quantitative methodological approach.

Iran as a developing country is experiencing the industrialization process quickly and is thus exposed to different industrial hazards mostly derived from chemicals. In the light of this problem, this study estimated the human vulnerability in chemical accidents using the software simulation of accidental chlorine gas releases. A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) study carried out in 4 phases during 2015-2017 in Ray County, Tehran Province. It included a systematic literature review, software simulation, Fuzzy Delphi Analytical Hierarchy Process (FDAHP) hierarchy process study, and creating a reliable tool for purpose of this study in at-risk areas. The valuable finding indicated that decreasing the human vulnerability depends on both social and physical characteristics of area and even the social vulnerability indicators have more important role when compared with the physical vulnerability indicators. The statistical analysis revealed that the human vulnerability has the significant relationship with factors such as type of living place (rural or urban) areas, nationality, economic situation of households, the distance between housing and the nearest exit to main road, health centers, and manufacturing or storing chemical plants (P value < 0.01). The result also showed that the area under study is vulnerable from average to very high, both in its physical and social domains, against industrial chemical accidents. Additional comparative studies are needed to develop and generalize the appropriate set of indicators of human vulnerability to human induced disasters in Iran.

Proximity to extremely hazardous substances for people with disabilities: A case study in Houston, Texas.

BACKGROUND: While numerous studies have found socially disadvantaged groups such as minorities and low-income individuals to be disproportionately distributed with respect to various health hazards and pollution sources, previous research has not examined if people with disabilities reside near facilities where accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances are likely to occur. OBJECTIVE: Using data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey estimates and facilities submitting Risk Management Plans (RMPs) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the distribution of proximity to RMP facilities is compared to the disability characteristics of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Harris County, Texas. The goal is to determine whether neighborhoods containing a higher proportion of disabled individuals are located near RMP facilities, after controlling for relevant socio-demographic factors. METHODS: Proximity to RMP facilities is calculated at the census tract level using a spatial enumeration methodology developed by the EPA. Statistical analyses are based on descriptive comparisons, bivariate correlations, and multivariate generalized estimating equations--a modeling technique appropriate for clustered data. RESULTS: RMP facility proximity increases significantly as the percentage of overall disability, as well as the percentages for specific types of disability increase, after accounting for population density, racial/ethnic composition, and socioeconomic status of neighborhoods. Disabled individuals with hearing and cognitive difficulties are particularly more likely to reside near RMP facilities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the growing need to consider individuals with physical and mental disabilities in future research on environmental justice and health risk disparities, as well as evacuation planning for chemical accidents.

Development of a Procedure for Evaluating the Impacts of the Accidental Emission of Hazardous Chemicals, Case Study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The study aims at developing a process to evaluate the impacts of the accidental emission of hazardous chemicals. The proposed process consists of four basic steps: i) identifying risks/hazards; ii) development of the worst-case scenario; iii) simulating the emission and dispersion of the toxic chemicals; and iv) assessing the severity of the impact to the people and the surroundings. It makes use of different techniques including accidental release source term, atmospheric dispersion modeling and results in the concentration and extent of the toxic chemicals in the atmosphere for either the direct evaporation of toxic chemicals as a primary emission or the dispersion of toxic chemicals as a domino effect of a fire or explosion accident. This process has been applied in a contrived case study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In a suppositious accident of p-xylene spill from a pesticide factory, the assessment for the worst-case scenario showed that p-xylene concentration in the atmosphere could reach up to 8,882,381 µg/m3, that is higher than Protective Action Criteria for Chemicals-level 2 but far lower than the level 3. p-Xylene from the accident could disperse more than 20 km from the site, to a highly populated area with a large number of sensitive social economic object. The results of this assessment provide helpful information for the development of accidental response plan in the practical cases or supports the training for accident prevention and responses.

A Putative Adverse Outcome Pathway Relevant to Carcinogenicity Induced by Sulfuric Acid in Strong Inorganic Acid Mists

Based on epidemiological studies, an International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group determined that strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid are carcinogenic to human even though, sulfuric acid, per se, is not. Accumulative studies indicate that there is a link between chronic occupational exposure to sulfuric acid mists and an increased risk of laryngeal cancer. Unintended, acute exposure to sulfuric acid mists can cause corrosive damage to target tissues depending on the route of exposure. This review compares the toxicity and carcinogenicity of sulfuric acid mists compared to other strong inorganic acid mists. It also examines the routes and duration of exposure (short-term, prolonged, and long-term). In vivo evidence does not support or refute the carcinogenicity of sulfuric inorganic mists even though its co-carcinogenic or promoting potential has been considered. On the basis of existing evidence on sulfuric acid mist toxicity, we suggested a putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP) relevant to carcinogenicity caused by mists containing sulfuric acid. A possible key factor involved in sulfuric acid mist carcinogenesis is the genotoxic effects of low pH since it can increase instability in chromosomes and DNA. A putative AOP for sulfuric acid mist carcinogenicity would help generate better risk assessments and more accurate predictions regarding the risk of developing cancer due to prolonged exposure. Establishing an AOP would also be useful for future studies examining the carcinogenicity of other strong inorganic mists.

The future of hazardous chemical safety in China: Opportunities, problems, challenges and tasks.

China is a major country producing and using hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, the hazardous chemical industry is still one of the most high-risk industries in China. In recent years, especially after two devastating hazardous chemical accidents, namely "Qingdao 11.2 Crude Oil Leaking and Explosion Accident" and "Tianjin Port 8.12 Fire and Explosion Accident" which occurred in 2013 and 2015 respectively, China has attached great importance to hazardous chemical safety. The period between 2016 and 2017 is a crucial period for the future direction of hazardous chemical safety in China because China released a series of important government documents (such as 'Thirteenth Five-Year (2016-2020) Plan for Hazardous Chemical Safety' and 'Comprehensive Plan for Hazardous Chemical Safety Management (December 2016-November 2019)') to promote hazardous chemical safety in the future. What is the future development of China's hazardous chemical safety? To answer this question, this paper attempts to briefly analyze and introduce the opportunities, problems, challenges and tasks of the future of safety with hazardous chemical industrial activities in China, according to the current situation of hazardous chemical safety in China and using the latest government documents and studies. Obviously, this study can provide useful evidence and suggestions for the future of safety management in the hazardous chemical industry both within China and in other countries.

Survey of awareness about hazardous chemicals of residents living near chemical plants in South Korea.

With economic growth, the use of chemicals has continually increased, resulting in an increase of chemical accidents. Chemical accidents pose a life threat and can lead to many health problems among the residents living in close proximity to chemical plants. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of the residents living near chemical plants about hazardous chemicals, as well as to survey the awareness of workers who do not directly handle chemicals at chemical plants (WNHCs). To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted among a total of 600 residents and 160 WNHCs. The questionnaire was composed of three items: awareness of chemical risk, awareness of countermeasures in chemical accidents, and imperious necessity of PPE (personal protective equipment). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. The results show that the government needs to complement the notification system of chemical risk for residents who live close to chemical plants. The highest priority of PPE which residents want to prepare for chemical accidents was respiratory protective equipment (RPE). They responded that, if necessary to purchase PPE, they could bear a portion of the expenses (up to US $30). This study provides basic data for the development of programs and policies on chemical safety relevant for the residents living in close proximity to chemical plants in South Korea.

Chemical leukoderma induced by dimethyl sulfate

Abstract Chemical leukoderma occurs due to the toxic effect of a variety of chemical agents. Mechanisms include either destruction or inhibition of melanocytes. We report two male patients (36 and 51 years old) who presented with multiple hypopigmented macules and patches on the neck, wrist, and legs after exposure to dimethyl sulfate in a chemical industry. Physical examination revealed irregular depigmentation macules with sharp edges and clear hyperpigmentation around the lesions. History of repeated exposure to a chemical agent can help the clinical diagnosis of chemical leukoderma. This diagnosis is very important for prognosis and therapeutic management of the disease.

Fatores de risco para a ocorrência de acidentes em laboratórios de ensino e pesquisa em uma universidade brasileira (2012) / Risk factors for the occurrence of accidents in teaching and research laboratories in a brazilian university (2012) / Factores de riesgo para la incidencia de accidentes en laboratorios de investigación y enseñanza de una universidad brasileña (2012)

O estudo teve o objetivo de analisar os principais fatores associados à ocorrência de acidentes envolvendo agentes biológicos, materiaisperfurocortantes ou compostos químicos em laboratórios de ensino e pesquisa de uma universidade brasileira. Trata-se de estudo transversale analítico, com aplicação de questionário a 271 indivíduos que desenvolviam atividades laboratoriais em três unidades acadêmicas daUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais em 2012. A triagem de características potencialmente associadas à ocorrência de acidentes foi realizadapor testes estatísticos univariados. A verificação dos principais fatores de risco ou proteção para a ocorrência de acidentes foi feita pormodelos de análise multivariada (p≤0,05). Constatou-se que 70,5 a 97,3% dos indivíduos estavam expostos aos riscos estudados, com 48,0%dos entrevistados acidentados na Escola de Veterinária, 34,4% na Faculdade de Odontologia e 23,0% na Faculdade de Medicina. Os principaisfatores relacionaram-se a práticas tais como a função dos indivíduos, quantidade de horas trabalhadas por dia, número de anos trabalhadosem laboratório, trabalho em condições de pressão psicológica e estresse, fornecimento de orientações sobre os procedimentos laboratoriais,conhecimento do fluxo operacional caso ocorram acidentes e conhecimento sobre os protocolos para notificação desses agravos. Concluiuseque a ocorrência de acidentes está associada às condutas adotadas no desenvolvimento de atividades laboratoriais e, secundariamente, àinfluência de características estruturais.

This study aimed to analyze the main factors associated with the occurrence of accidents involving biological, chemical, or perforating-cuttingagents in laboratories at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A cross-sectional and analytical study wasconducted applying a questionnaire to 271 lab employees at three academic units of the university in 2012. Screening procedures to determinesome characteristics potentially associated with the occurrence of accidents was performed by univariate statistical tests. The verification of mainrisks or protective factors for the occurrence of accidents was performed by means of the fit of multivariate models (p≤0.05). It was verified that arange of 70.5% to 97.3% people were exposed to risk factors, and 48.0% of the respondents were accident victims in the School of Veterinary Sciences,34.4% were injured in the Dental School, and 23.0% were injured in the Medical School. Factors, such as the individuals’ job, hours worked per day,years worked in the lab, working under pressure and stress conditions, the providing of instructions regarding laboratory procedures, knowledgeabout the...

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los principales factores vinculados a la incidencia de accidentes con agentes biológicos, objetos punzocortanteso productos químicos en laboratorios de enseñanza e investigación de una universidad brasileña. Se realizó un estudio transversal y analítico con uncuestionario a 271 personas que trabajaban en los laboratorios de tres facultades de la Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais (2012). La detección decaracterísticas potencialmente relacionadas a la incidencia de accidentes fue realizada mediante la utilización de pruebas univariadas. Se efectuó laverificación de los principales factores de riesgo y de protección para la incidencia de accidentes por los modelos de análisis multivariados (p ≤ 0.05). Entre70,5% y 97,3% de las personas estuvieron expuestas a los riesgos estudiados. El 48,0% de los accidentados era de la Facultad de Veterinaria, el 34,4% de laFacultad de Odontología y el 23,0 % de la Facultad de Medicina. Se confirmo que los principales factores están relacionados con las prácticas: tales comola función de los individuos, la cantidad de horas de trabajo por día y de años trabajando en el laboratorio, trabajo en condiciones de presión psicológicay/o estrés, orientaciones sobre procedimientos, disponibilidad de orientaciones sobre procedimientos y operaciones en el laboratorio, conocimiento deprotocolos de notificación de accidentes. Se llegó a la conclusión que la incidencia de accidentes está relacionada con las conductas adoptadas en eldesarrollo de...

Comparing disproportionate exposure to acute and chronic pollution risks: a case study in Houston, Texas.

While environmental justice (EJ) research in the United States has focused primarily on the social distribution of chronic pollution risks, previous empirical studies have not analyzed disparities in exposure to both chronic (long-term) and acute (short-term) pollution in the same study area. Our article addresses this limitation though a case study that compares social inequities in exposure to chronic and acute pollution risks in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area, Texas. The study integrates estimates of chronic cancer risk associated with ambient exposure to hazardous air pollutants from the Environmental Protection Agency's National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (2005), hazardous chemical accidents from the National Response Center's Emergency Response Notification System (2007-2011), and sociodemographic characteristics from the American Community Survey (2007-2011). Statistical analyses are based on descriptive comparisons, bivariate correlations, and locally derived spatial regression models that account for spatial dependence in the data. Results indicate that neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Hispanic residents, lower percentage of homeowners, and higher income inequality are facing significantly greater exposure to both chronic and acute pollution risks. The non-Hispanic black percentage is significantly higher in neighborhoods with greater chronic cancer risk, but lower in areas exposed to acute pollution events. Households isolated by language--those highly likely to face evacuation problems during an actual chemical disaster--tend to reside in areas facing significantly greater exposure to high-impact acute events. Our findings emphasize the growing need to examine social inequities in exposure to both chronic and acute pollution risks in future EJ research and policy.

Genitalia burn: accident or violence? Concerns that transcend injury treatment / Quemadura de los genitales: ¿accidente o violencia? Preocupaciones que trascienden el tratamiento de las lesiones / Queimadura de genitália: acidente ou violência? Preocupações que transcendem o tratamento das lesões

To describe a case of genital burn which raised the suspicion of maltreatment (sexual abuse and neglect by lack of supervision). CASE DESCRIPTION: An infant was taken to the Emergency Room of a pediatric hospital with an extensive burn in the vulva and perineum. The mother claimed the burn had been caused by a sodium-hydroxide-based product. However, the injury severity led to the suspicion of sexual abuse, which was then ruled out by a multidisciplinary team, based on the consistent report by the mother. Besides, the lesion type matched those caused by the chemical agent involved in the accident and the family context was evaluated and considered adequate. The patient had a favorable outcome and was discharged after four days of hospitalization. Outpatient follow-up during six months after the accident enabled the team to rule out neglect by lack of supervision. COMMENTS: Accidents and violence are frequent causes of physical injuries in children, and the differential diagnosis between them can be a challenge for healthcare workers, especially in rare clinical conditions involving patients who cannot speak for themselves. The involvement of a multidisciplinary trained team helps to have an adequate approach, ensuring child protection and developing a bond with the family; the latter is essential for a continued patient follow-up...

Describir un caso de quemadura de los genitales que llevó a la sospecha de malos tratos (abuso sexual y negligencia de supervisión). DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Lactante fue llevada a la Emergencia de un hospital pediátrico por lesión extensa en región de la vulva y entre la vagina y el ano. La madre alegaba quemadura por producto a base de soda cáustica, pero la gravedad de la lesión llevó el equipo a sospechar de abuso sexual. La sospecha fue alejada por equipo multidisciplinario con base en el relato consistente de la madre, en el tipo de lesión compatible con el agente químico implicado en el accidente y en la evaluación del contexto de vida familiar. El cuadro clínico evolucionó de manera satisfactoria, siendo dada alta después de cuatro días de internación. El seguimiento ambulatorial en los seis meses posteriores permitió alejar también una posible situación de negligencia de supervisión, con base en la historia previa del niño, en su estado de salud y en la observación de los vínculos familiares existentes y de los cuidados dispensados por la familia a lo largo del tiempo. COMENTARIOS: Accidentes y violencia son causas frecuentes de lesiones físicas en niños, siendo el diagnóstico diferencial de ambos un desafío para los profesionales, especialmente frente a cuadros clínicos raros en pacientes que todavía no verbalizan. La actuación de equipo multidisciplinario con profesionales instrumentalizados para ese tipo de atención ayuda en la conducción adecuada, garantizando la protección del niño y la creación de vínculo con la familia, lo que es esencial para un posterior seguimiento que haga viable la observación continuada del caso...

Descrever um caso de queimadura de genitália que levou à suspeita de maus-tratos (abuso sexual e negligência de supervisão). DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Lactente foi levada à Emergência de um hospital pediátrico por lesão extensa em região vulvar e entre a vagina e o ânus. A mãe alegava queimadura por produto à base de soda cáustica, mas a gravidade da lesão levou a equipe a suspeitar de abuso sexual. A suspeita foi afastada por equipe multidisciplinar com base no relato consistente da mãe, no tipo de lesão compatível com o agente químico envolvido no acidente e na avaliação do contexto de vida familiar. O quadro clínico evoluiu satisfatoriamente, sendo dada alta após quatro dias de internação. O acompanhamento ambulatorial nos seis meses posteriores permitiu afastar também uma possível situação de negligência de supervisão. COMENTÁRIOS: Acidentes e violência são causas frequentes de lesões físicas em crianças, sendo o diagnóstico diferencial de ambos um desafio para os profissionais, especialmente diante de quadros clínicos raros em pacientes que ainda não verbalizam. A atuação de equipe multidisciplinar com profissionais instrumentalizados para esses atendimentos ajuda na condução adequada, garantindo a proteção da criança e a criação de vínculo com a família, o que é essencial para o acompanhamento continuado do caso...

Human risk assessment of benzene after a gasoline station fuel leak / Avaliacao de risco humano a benzeno apos vazamento de combustivel em posto de gasolina / Evaluacion de riesgo humano al benceno posterior al derrame de combustible en gasolinera

OBJECTIVE: To assess the health risk of exposure to benzene for a community affected by a fuel leak. METHODS: Data regarding the fuel leak accident with, which occurred in the Brasilia, Federal District, were obtained from the Fuel Distributor reports provided to the environmental authority. Information about the affected population (22 individuals) was obtained from focal groups of eight individuals. Length of exposure and water benzene concentration were estimated through a groundwater flow model associated with a benzene propagation model. The risk assessment was conducted according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry methodology. RESULTS: A high risk perception related to the health consequences of the accident was evident in the affected community (22 individuals), probably due to the lack of assistance and a poor risk communication from government authorities and the polluting agent. The community had been exposed to unsafe levels of benzene (> 5 µg/L) since December 2001, five months before they reported the leak. The mean benzene level in drinking water (72.2 µg/L) was higher than that obtained by the Fuel Distributer using the Risk Based Corrective Action methodology (17.2 µg/L).The estimated benzene intake from the consumption of water and food reached a maximum of 0.0091 µg/kg bw/day (5 x 10-7 cancer risk per 106 individuals). The level of benzene in water vapor while showering reached 7.5 µg/m3 for children (1 per 104 cancer risk). Total cancer risk ranged from 110 to 200 per 106 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The population affected by the fuel leak was exposed to benzene levels that might have represented a health risk. Local government authorities need to develop better strategies to respond rapidly to these ...

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os riscos à saúde da exposição ao benzeno de comunidade afetada por acidente de vazamento de combustível. MÉTODOS: Dados de acidente de vazamento de combustível ocorrido em Brasília, DF, em 2002, foram obtidos dos relatórios produzidos pelo distribuidor de combustível e submetidos a autoridade ambiental. Informação sobre a população afetada foi obtida em grupos focais com oito participantes. Foram estimados o tempo de exposição e concentração de benzeno na água usando modelo de fluxo subterrâneo acoplado a outro de transporte. A avaliação de risco foi conduzida de acordo com a metodologia da Agência de Registro de Substâncias Tóxicas e Doenças ( Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ). RESULTADOS: Alta percepção de risco à saúde relacionada ao acidente foi observada na população afetada (22 indivíduos), provavelmente devido à falta de assistência e à comunicação de risco deficiente do governo e agente poluidor. A comunidade esteve exposta a níveis inseguros de benzeno na água (> 5 µg/L) a partir de dezembro de 2001, cinco meses antes de ser reportado o vazamento. A concentração média de benzeno na água consumida (72,2 µg/L) foi maior que aquela estimada pelo distribuidor usando a metodologia Ação Corretiva Baseada em Risco ( Risk Based Corrective Action ) (17,2 µg/L). A ingestão estimada de benzeno pelo consumo de água e frutas alcançou 0,0091 µg/kg pc/dia (risco de 5 x 10-7 câncer per 106 indivíduos). O nível de benzeno no vapor d´água durante o banho atingiu 7,5 µg/m3 para ...

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los riesgos para la salud de la exposición al benceno en comunidad afectada por accidente de derrame de combustible. MÉTODOS: Datos del accidente ocurrido en el Distrito Federal (Brasil), fueron obtenidos de los informes realizados por el distribuidor de combustible y sometidos a la autoridad ambienta. Información sobre la población afectada fue obtenida en grupos focales con 8 participantes. Se hicieron estimaciones del tiempo de exposición y concentración de benceno en el agua usando modelo de flujo subterráneo acoplado a otro de transporte. La evaluación de riesgo fue conducida de acuerdo con la metodología de la "Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry". RESULTADOS: Alta percepción de riesgo para la salud relacionada con el accidente fue observada en la población afectada (22 individuos), probablemente debido a la falta de asistencia y a la comunicación de riesgo deficiente del gobierno y agente contaminante. La comunidad estuvo expuesta a niveles inseguros de benceno en el agua (>5 µg/L) a partir de diciembre de 2001, cinco meses antes de ser reportado el derrame. La concentración promedio de benceno en el agua consumida (72,2 µg/L) fue mayor que la estimada por el distribuidor usando la metodología "Risk Based Corrective Action" (17,2 µg/L). La ingestión estimada de benceno por el consumo de agua y frutas alcanzó 0,0091 µg/kg pc/día (riesgo de 5 x 10-7 de cáncer per 106 individuos). El nivel de benceno en el vapor de agua durante el baño alcanzó 7,5 µg/m3 en niños (riesgo de cáncer de hasta 1 per 104). El Riesgo carcinogénico total fue de 110 a 200 per 106 individuos. CONCLUSIONES: La población afectada por el derrame de combustible estuvo expuesta ...

Acidentes com produtos perigosos: análise de dados dos sistemas de informações como subsídio às ações de vigilância em saúde ambiental / Accidents involving dangerous goods: data analysis of information systems as a subsidy to the actions of environmental health surveillance

Os acidentes com produtos perigosos podem causar danos à saúde e ao ambiente e as dificuldades em se avaliar os impactos e estimar os custos refletem diretamente na capacidade de formulação de políticas públicas de controle e prevenção amplas e efetivas. Este trabalho objetiva a análise dos dados oficiais sobre os acidentes com produtos perigosos notificados no Brasil entre 2006-2007 enquanto potenciais modificadores da situação ambiental e geradores de exposição bem como os dados de morbidade e mortalidade de forma a subsidiar as ações de vigilância em saúde ambiental. Metodologicamente a análise dos eventos notificados (n=2046) demonstra uma média mensal de 85 eventos, com elevada freqüência de acidentes envolvendo líquidos inflamáveis, significativamente ocorridos no modal rodoviário e concentrados na região sudeste. Esses dados não permitem caracterizar a exposição humana nesses eventos. Quanto aos efeitos, foram registradas 12.955 intoxicações, 373 internações e 2.513 óbitos relacionados a exposição a produtos químicos. Quanto à capacidade de resposta do setor saúde, onze estados desenvolvem ações de vigilância em saúde ambiental relacionadas a acidentes com produtos perigosos. Os dados apontam para a necessária estruturação de um sistema integrado de informações para a gestão dos acidentes com produtos perigosos e monitoramento de populações expostas.

Hazardous materials accidents can cause damage to health and the environment and the difficulties faced in the impact assessment and cost estimating reflect directly on thecapacity to formulate public policies of control and prevention wide, and effective. The present work intend to present the information system analysis of the hazardous materials accidents notified in Brazil between 2006 and 2007 while exposition producer event and also morbidity and mortality data to support environmental healthsurveillance actions. Methodologically, notified data analysis (n=2046) present a month average of 85 events and point to a high frequency of accidents involving flammable liquids, significantly occurred on highway transportation mode and mostly in thesoutheast region. Due to effects, there were 12.955 intoxications, 373 hospitalizations and 2.513 deaths attributed to exposure to chemical substances. In terms of health sectorresponse capacity, eleven states develop hazardous materials accidents environmental health surveillance actions. These data point to a necessary information integrated systems to manage hazardous materials, and monitoring exposed populations.