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Tremblay LA, Nakajima D, Endo S, Yagishita M, Ludlow H, Mackay A, Champeau O. Risk Assessment of Displaced Sediment by an Extreme Event Cyclone in a Peri-Urban Zone Using Bioassays and Analytical Chemistry. TOXICS 2024; 12:558. [PMID: 39195660 PMCID: PMC11360154 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Hawke's Bay in New Zealand was impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, experiencing intense weather conditions and rainfall. Rivers and streams surged beyond their banks, displacing large amounts of sediment. The sewage treatment plant and industries in the Waitangi catchment, south of the city of Napier, were heavily impacted, making them potential sources of contaminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of displaced sediments deposited south of Napier City, using bioassays and chemical analysis methods. Sediment samples were collected across a gradient between the coastline and the Waitangi Stream. The toxicity of chemically extracted or elutriate samples was assessed by Microtox®, mussel embryo-larval development, and aryl hydrocarbon and constitutive androstane receptor yeast two-hybrid assays. Targeted chemical analysis and automated identification and quantification system (AIQS-GC) methods were used to identify contaminants. The elutriates showed low toxicity and the yeast assays showed levels of activity like those previously reported. Chemical methods confirmed historical contamination by DDT and its metabolites DDE and DDD, as well as by plant sterols. Overall, the toxicity and chemicals detected are what would be expected from a typical agricultural soil. The risk posed by the displaced sediment in the Waitangi catchment can be considered low. Combining chemical and bioanalytical methods was an effective approach to investigate the potential risks of post-disaster contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis A. Tremblay
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042, New Zealand;
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Manaaki Whenua–Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand
| | - Daisuke Nakajima
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan; (D.N.); (S.E.)
| | - Satoshi Endo
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan; (D.N.); (S.E.)
| | - Mayuko Yagishita
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima 734-8558, Japan;
| | - Hannah Ludlow
- Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, 159 Dalton Street, Napier 4110, New Zealand; (H.L.); (A.M.)
- Pattle Delamore Partners, Ground Floor South, Bower House, 18 Bower Street, Napier 4110, New Zealand
| | - Ariana Mackay
- Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, 159 Dalton Street, Napier 4110, New Zealand; (H.L.); (A.M.)
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Teglas T, Torices S, Taylor M, Coker D, Toborek M. Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls selectively dysregulates endothelial circadian clock and endothelial toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131499. [PMID: 37126901 PMCID: PMC10202419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are lipophilic and persistent environmental toxicants, which pose health threats to the exposed population. Among several organs and cell types, vascular tissue and endothelial cells are especially prone to PCB-induced toxicity. Exposure to PCBs can exert detrimental impacts on biological pathways, expression of transcription factors, and tight junction proteins that are integral to the functionality of endothelial cells. Because biological and cellular processes are tightly regulated by circadian rhythms, and disruption of the circadian system may cause several diseases, we evaluated if exposure to PCBs can alter the expression of the major endothelial circadian regulators. In addition, we studied if dysregulation of circadian rhythms by silencing the brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) gene can contribute to alterations of brain endothelial cells in response to PCB treatment. We demonstrated that diminished expression of Bmal1 enhances PCB-induced dysregulation of tight junction complexes, such as the expression of occludin, JAM-2, ZO-1, and ZO-2 especially at pathologically relevant longer PCB exposure times. Overall, the obtained results imply that dysregulation of the circadian clock is involved in endothelial toxicity of PCBs. The findings provide new insights for toxicological studies focused on the interactions between environmental pollutants and regulation of circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timea Teglas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 528E Gautier Bldg. 1011 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Silvia Torices
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 528E Gautier Bldg. 1011 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Madison Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 528E Gautier Bldg. 1011 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Desiree Coker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 528E Gautier Bldg. 1011 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 528E Gautier Bldg. 1011 NW 15th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland.
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3
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Atoba K, Newman G, Sansom G. Multi-Hazard property buyouts: Making a case for the acquisition of flood and contaminant-prone residential properties in Galena Park, TX. CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 2023; 41:100529. [PMID: 38312112 PMCID: PMC10836021 DOI: 10.1016/j.crm.2023.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The aftermath of extreme flood events can be particularly devastating for residential communities in proximity to flood-prone petrochemical facilities, as they are likely to experience multiple impacts from a single flood event. Hazard impacts could be from flood inundation to their properties, and floodwaters carrying contaminants from nearby facilities into their homes. While property acquisition or buyouts have been effectively used as a flood mitigation strategy, current buyout selection processes only factor in flood exposure, thereby ignoring other hazards such as exposure of properties to potential chemical substance transfer. In this paper, we identify properties that are eligible for flood buyouts but are also at a high risk of contaminant transferal during extreme flood events. We apply a benefit-cost analysis methodology to assess the economic viability of buyouts and proximity metrics to prioritize buyouts of contaminant-prone properties in Galena Park, Texas. Results indicate that, in selected flood-only property acquisition scenarios, cumulative avoided flood losses exceed the cost of property acquisition. However, although with lower cost-benefit values, a selection criterion that factors a combination of flood and contaminant-prone properties as buyouts results in multiple properties being removed from harm's way. Our findings emphasize the potential economic benefits of applying a multi-hazard selection criterion in dealing with flood property buyouts, especially in socially vulnerable communities with high exposure to both flooding and contaminant transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayode Atoba
- Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas, Texas A&M University, Division of Research, 1112 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, United States
| | - Galen Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College of Architecture, Langford Architecture Building 3137, College Station, TX 77840, United States
| | - Garrett Sansom
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M School of Public Health, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, United States
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Fernández-Viña N, Chen Y, Schwarz K. The Current State of Community Engagement in Urban Soil Pollution Science. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.800464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental burdens disproportionately impact the health of communities of color and low-income communities. Contemporary and legacy industry and land development may pollute soils with pesticides, petroleum products, and trace metals that can directly and indirectly impact the health of frontline communities. Past efforts to study environmental injustice have often excluded those most impacted, created distrust of researchers and other experts among frontline communities, and resulted in little to no structural change. Prevailing research methods value formal knowledge systems, while often dismissing the knowledge of those most harmed by environmental hazards. Community science has emerged as a process of doing science that centers the participation of community members, who may co-develop research questions, inform study methods, collect data, interpret findings, or implement projects. While community science is one of several research methods that can advance community goals, it can also be implemented in ways that are extractive or harm communities. Research on best practices for community science is robust; however, how community science has been used in urban soil research is not well understood. We identified sixteen relevant urban soil studies published between 2008 and 2021 that used community science methods or engaged with community members around soil pollution. We then assessed the selected studies using two community engagement models to better understand community engagement practices in urban soil pollution science. The Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership (SCEO) model, which organizes engagement from level 0 (ignore) to 5 (defer to) was used to assess all studies. Studies that explicitly aimed to co-develop research with the community were additionally assessed using the Urban Sustainability Directors Network High Impact Practices (USDN HIPs). The majority of the studies assessed were aligned with levels 1–3 of the SCEO. Studies assessed as levels 4–5 of the SCEO were associated with delegating power to communities, community engages decision-making, creating space for community voices, and remediation efforts. We propose that future urban remediation soil pollution work that engages at higher levels of the SCEO and employs USDN HIPs, will be more effective at addressing crucial environmental health challenges by supporting, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
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Kiaghadi A, Rifai HS, Crum M, Willson RC. Longitudinal patterns in sediment type and quality during daily flow regimes and following natural hazards in an urban estuary: a Hurricane Harvey retrospective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:7514-7531. [PMID: 34476713 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the transport of sediments in urban estuaries and their effects on water quality and microorganisms is a convergent challenge that has yet to be addressed especially as a result of natural hazards that affect the hydrodynamics of estuarine systems. This study provides a holistic view of the longitudinal nature and character of sediment in an urban estuary, the Galveston Bay Estuary System (GBES), under daily and extreme flow regimes and presents the results of water and sediment sampling after Hurricane Harvey. The sediment sampling quantified total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations, metal concentrations, and the diversity of microbial communities. The results revealed the impact of the substantial sediment loads that were transported into the GBES in terms of sediment grain type, the spatial distribution of trace metals, and the diversity of microbial communities. A measurable shift in the percentage of silt relative to historical norms was noted in the GBES after Hurricane Harvey. Not only did sediment metal data confirms this shift and its ensuing impact on metal concentrations; microbial data provided ample evidence of the effect of leaks and spills from wastewater treatment plants, superfund sites, and industrial runoff on microbial diversity. The research demonstrates the importance of understanding longitudinal sediment transport and deposition in estuarine systems under daily flow regimes but more critically, following natural hazard events to ensure sustainability and resilience of systems such as the GBES that encounter numerous acute and chronic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kiaghadi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Room N138, Engineering Building 1, 4726 Calhoun, Houston, TX, 77204-4003, USA
| | - Hanadi S Rifai
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Room N138, Engineering Building 1, 4726 Calhoun, Houston, TX, 77204-4003, USA.
| | - Mary Crum
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Room S222, Engineering Building 1, 4726 Calhoun, Houston, TX, 77204-4004, USA
| | - Richard C Willson
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Room S222, Engineering Building 1, 4726 Calhoun, Houston, TX, 77204-4004, USA
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Aly NA, Casillas G, Luo YS, McDonald TJ, Wade TL, Zhu R, Newman G, Lloyd D, Wright FA, Chiu WA, Rusyn I. Environmental impacts of Hurricane Florence flooding in eastern North Carolina: temporal analysis of contaminant distribution and potential human health risks. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:810-822. [PMID: 33895777 PMCID: PMC8448918 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00325-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina in September 2018 causing extensive flooding. Several potential point sources of hazardous substances and Superfund sites sustained water damage and contaminants may have been released into the environment. OBJECTIVE This study conducted temporal analysis of contaminant distribution and potential human health risks from Hurricane Florence-associated flooding. METHODS Soil samples were collected from 12 sites across four counties in North Carolina in September 2018, January and May 2019. Chemical analyses were performed for organics by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Hazard index and cancer risk were calculated using EPA Regional Screening Level Soil Screening Levels for residential soils. RESULTS PAH and metals detected downstream from the coal ash storage pond that leaked were detected and were indicative of a pyrogenic source of contamination. PAH at these sites were of human health concern because cancer risk values exceeded 1 × 10-6 threshold. Other contaminants measured across sampling sites, or corresponding hazard index and cancer risk, did not exhibit spatial or temporal differences or were of concern. SIGNIFICANCE This work shows the importance of rapid exposure assessment following natural disasters. It also establishes baseline levels of contaminants for future comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor A Aly
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gaston Casillas
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Syuan Luo
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Thomas J McDonald
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Terry L Wade
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Galen Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dillon Lloyd
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Fred A Wright
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Yang SH, Chen CH, Chu KH. Fecal indicators, pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and ecotoxicity in Galveston Bay after Hurricane Harvey. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 411:124953. [PMID: 33445049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Unprecedented rainfall after Hurricane Harvey caused a catastrophic flood in the southern coast of Texas, and flushed significant floodwater and sediments into Galveston Bay, the largest estuary along the Texas Gulf Coast. This study investigated the immediate and long-term (6 months post-Harvey) fecal indicators, pathogenic bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and ecotoxicity in the Galveston Bay. Dramatic decrease of salinity profile to zero, increased levels of fecal indicator bacteria and pathogenic bacteria, and detection of various ARGs were observed in the water and sediment samples collected 2 weeks post-Harvey. High levels of BlaTEM and cytotoxicity measured by yeast bioluminescent assay (BLYR) were also observed especially near the river mouths. While Vibrio spp. was dominant in water, much higher abundance of fecal indicator bacteria and pathogen were detected in the sediments. A decreasing trend of BlaTEM and cytotoxicity was observed in March 2018 samples, suggesting the Bay has returned to its pre-hurricane conditions 6 months post-Harvey. Interestingly, the abundance of fecal indicator bacteria and pathogens were shifted dramatically according to high-streamflow and low-streamflow seasons in the Bay. The data are useful to construct the model of risk assessment in coastal estuaries system and predict the effects of extreme flooding events in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hung Yang
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Chih-Hung Chen
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan ROC
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Kiaghadi A, Rifai HS, Dawson CN. The presence of Superfund sites as a determinant of life expectancy in the United States. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1947. [PMID: 33850131 PMCID: PMC8044172 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Superfund sites could affect life expectancy (LE) via increasing the likelihood of exposure to toxic chemicals. Here, we assess to what extent such presence could alter the LE independently and in the context of sociodemographic determinants. A nationwide geocoded statistical modeling at the census tract level was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of impact. Results showed a significant difference in LE among census tracts with at least one Superfund site and their neighboring tracts with no sites. The presence of a Superfund site could cause a decrease of -0.186 ± 0.027 years in LE. This adverse effect could be as high as -1.22 years in tracts with Superfund sites and high sociodemographic disadvantage. Specific characteristics of Superfund sites such as being prone to flooding and the absence of a cleanup strategy could amplify the adverse effect. Furthermore, the presence of Superfund sites amplifies the negative influence of sociodemographic factors at lower LEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kiaghadi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hanadi S Rifai
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Clint N Dawson
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Marcantonio RA, Field S, Regan PM. Toxic trajectories under future climate conditions. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226958. [PMID: 31869830 PMCID: PMC6927791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extreme weather events, driven by changing climatic conditions, interact with our built environment by distributing-or redistributing-environmental risk and damaging physical infrastructure. We focus on the role of extreme weather events in the distribution of toxic substances within and between residential communities in the largest cities in the United States (US). We explore the impact of projected inland and coastal flooding on the redistribution of toxicity from known contaminated sites, and how patterns of toxic flow change the total population and social demographics of the population at risk from toxic materials. We use the Urban Adaptation Assessment and data on toxic site locations from the US government to evaluate risk of toxin dispersion from flooding in cities and down to the census tract level for the period 2021-2061. We demonstrate that future climate conditions significantly increase the risk of the dispersion of toxins from contaminated sites by 2041.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Marcantonio
- The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Anthropology Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Sean Field
- The Anthropology Department, the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Patrick M. Regan
- The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Political Science Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
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Bera G, Camargo K, Sericano J, Liu Y, Sweet S, Horney J, Jun M, Chiu W, Rusyn I, Wade T, Knap A. Baseline data for distribution of contaminants by natural disasters: results from a residential Houston neighborhood during Hurricane Harvey flooding. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02860. [PMID: 31763489 PMCID: PMC6861583 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas August 25, 2017, bringing massive rains and flooding that impacted soils in a residential neighborhood in East Houston. Trace elements, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ether fire retardants (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 24 soil samples. The highest concentrations found in soils were total PAHs, which ranged from 1,310 μg/kg to 85,700 μg/kg with a mean of 12,600 μg/kg. Analysis of specific PAH ratios indicate the source of the PAHs were dominated by pyrogenic rather than petrogenic sources. Chlordanes were detectable in the area where the likely local source is for ant control. The trace metal concentrations were below any environmental health concern concentrations but As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Se, Ag, Zn were enriched over the crustal abundance. While Hurricane Harvey was responsible for the redistribution of many contaminants, the large volume of rain and floodwater likely transported contaminants from the land areas and into the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay. The findings from this study will serve as baseline data for determining the mobilization of contaminants caused by natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Bera
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - K. Camargo
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - J.L. Sericano
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - Y. Liu
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - S.T. Sweet
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - J. Horney
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - M. Jun
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - W. Chiu
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - I. Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - T.L. Wade
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
| | - A.H. Knap
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77840, USA
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Lower Respiratory Symptoms Associated With Environmental and Reconstruction Exposures After Hurricane Sandy. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2018; 12:697-702. [PMID: 29352822 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2017.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a population with prior exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster, this study sought to determine the relationship between Hurricane Sandy-related inhalation exposures and post-Sandy lower respiratory symptoms (LRS). METHODS Participants included 3835 WTC Health Registry enrollees who completed Wave 3 (2011-2012) and Hurricane Sandy (2013) surveys. The Sandy-related inhalational exposures examined were: (1) reconstruction exposure; (2) mold or damp environment exposure; and (3) other respiratory irritants exposure. LRS were defined as wheezing, persistent cough, or shortness of breath reported on ≥1 of the 30 days preceding survey completion. Associations between LRS and Sandy exposures, controlling for socio-demographic factors, post-traumatic stress disorder, and previously reported LRS and asthma were examined using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Over one-third of participants (34.4%) reported post-Sandy LRS. Each of the individual exposures was also independently associated with post-Sandy LRS, each having approximately twice the odds of having post-Sandy LRS. We found a dose-response relationship between the number of types of Sandy-related exposures reported and post-Sandy LRS. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that post-hurricane clean-up and reconstruction exposures can increase the risk for LRS. Public health interventions should emphasize the importance of safe remediation practices and recommend use of personal protective equipment. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:697-702).
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