23 Jun Many Petroleum Product Releases Due To Private Accidents and Damage To Utilities or Lines
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ayana R. Anderson, MPH
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
MedicalResearch: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Large mass casualty gas explosions and oil spills are widely reported in the media and receive considerable regulatory attention. However, smaller less catastrophic events are less likely to receive publicity. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) analyzed 2010–2012 data from the National Toxic Substance Incidents Program (NTSIP) to describe the causes and public health impacts of petroleum product release incidents and to better focus and prioritize prevention efforts.
There were a total of 1,369 petroleum product releases reported from 7 states resulting in 512 injured persons and 36 deaths.
Approximately one fourth of the incidents were associated with utilities.
Approximately one fifth were associated with private vehicles or residences.
Approximately 10 percent of petroleum product releases resulted from inadvertent damage to utility lines.
MedicalResearch: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: We want clinicians and patients to know that if not managed properly, releases of petroleum products can adversely affect humans, wildlife, and the environment. Adverse health effects can include skin irritation, eye irritation, dizziness, headache, nausea and, and, in extreme cases, death.
MedicalResearch: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Because of the danger posed by petroleum incidents and their continuing occurrence, strategies to prevent releases are needed. Education is also needed to inform the public about the safe use of petroleum products and how to recognize a gas leak and know what steps to take to prevent explosions and fires. Based on the NTSIP data, a comprehensive approach to construction worker training regarding ruptured line prevention might reduce petroleum release incidents and their health consequences.
Citation:
June 12, 2015 / 64(22);601-605
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Ayana R. Anderson, MPH, Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, & Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2015). Many Petroleum Product Releases Due To Private Accidents and Damage To Utilities or Lines
Last Updated on June 23, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD