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Community health impacts after a jet fuel leak contaminated a drinking water system: Oahu, Hawaii, November 2021.
- Source :
-
Journal of water and health [J Water Health] 2023 Jul; Vol. 21 (7), pp. 956-971. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Background: In 2021, a large petroleum leak contaminated a water source that supplied drinking water to military and civilians in Oahu, Hawaii.<br />Methods: We conducted an Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) survey and supplemented that information with complementary data sources: (1) poison center caller records; (2) emergency department visit data; and (3) a key informant questionnaire.<br />Results: Among 2,289 survey participants, 86% reported ≥1 new or worsening symptom, 75% of which lasted ≥30 days, and 37% sought medical care. Most (n = 1,653, 72%) reported new mental health symptoms. Among equally observable symptoms across age groups, proportions of children ≤2 years experiencing vomiting, runny nose, skin rashes, and coughing (33, 46, 56, and 35%, respectively) were higher than other age groups. Poison center calls increased the first 2 weeks after the contamination, while emergency department visits increased in early December 2021. Key informant interviews revealed themes of lack of support, mental health symptoms, and long-term health impact concerns.<br />Discussion: This event led to widespread exposure to petroleum products and negatively affected thousands of people. Follow-up health surveys or interventions should give special consideration to longer-term physical and mental health, especially children due to their unique sensitivity to environmental exposures.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1477-8920
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of water and health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 37515565
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2023.109