Releases of hazardous substances in schools: data from the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system, 1993-1998.
This report describes the adverse public-health effects resulting from releases of hazardous substances in schools. Data were analyzed from emergency events reported to the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system by 14 participating states during 1993-1998. Compared with all other types of events, a higher proportion of school-related events resulted in victims (relative risk [RR] = 3.94, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 3.37-4.60) and in evacuation (RR = 5.76, 95 percent CI = 5.16-6.43). The most common cause of these events was operator error, followed in frequency by equipment failure, improper mixing, and deliberate releases. The majority of victims were exposed to spills emitting noxious gases, and their resulting symptoms were primarily associated with the respiratory tract.
Berkowitz
Zahava
Z
Division of Health Studies, ATSDR, 1600 Clifton Rd., MS E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. zab3@cdc.gov
Haugh
Gilbert S
GS
Orr
Maureen F
MF
Kaye
Wendy E
WE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012042:Registries; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*
D015386:Hazardous Substances