title: Health effects related to releases of hazardous substances on the Superfund priority list.
abstract: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry maintains an active, state-based surveillance system to record the public health consequences of hazardous substance releases. During 1992, the 9 participating states reported 1,876 events; 80% of the events occurred at fixed facilities, and 20% were transportation related. The most frequently released substances were volatile organic compounds, acids, herbicides, and ammonia. In 263 events, 600 people were injured and 4 died. Employees were injured more frequently (71%) than first responders or the general public. The most frequently reported injuries were respiratory and eye irritation. Evacuations occurred in 13% of the events. These results provide information for preparedness planning and training of first responders and employees.
authors.affiliation: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
authors.forename: H I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Price-Green
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Dhara
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Kaye
mesh_terms: D000059:Accidents; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011634:Public Health / Q000592:standards*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014186:Transportation; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014484:United States Environmental Protection Agency; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances