Office of Environmental Risk Assessment

Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance

During the period of 1993-1997, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) worked with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to maintain an active Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system to describe the public health consequences associated with the release of hazardous substances. This report summarizes the characteristics of events in Rhode Island which met the HSEES reporting criteria during the period 1993-1997.

An HSEES event is defined as any release(s) or threatened release(s) of at least one hazardous substance. A substance is considered hazardous if it might reasonably be expected to cause adverse human health effects. Releases of petroleum products are excluded. Data was obtained from different sources which include the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the National Response Center (NRC), reports from local police and fire departments, and local newspapers, to name a few. Follow-up was then conducted to obtain maximum information for each event. The data was then entered into a computer system. HEALTH will conduct outreach workshops to public and private sectors in order to help increase awareness for future potential hazards.

HEALTH reported a total of 228 events during the period of 1993-1997. Approximately 87% of the events occurred at fixed facilities, and 13% were transportation related. In 89% of the events, only a single substance was released. The most commonly reported (60% of total) categories of substances were other inorganic substances, the category designated "other" [which included substances that could not be placed in one of the other 10 categories] and acids. Volatile organic compounds, ammonia, paints & dyes, bases, chlorine, pesticides, PCBs and mixtures involving more than one category comprised only 40% of the total, with no single category responsible for more than about 7.5%. During this reporting period, 38 events (approximately 17% of all events) resulted in a total of 173 victims. The most frequently reported (62% of total) injuries sustained by victims were respiratory irritation, nausea, and eye irritation. Only 1 person died as a result of all events, and 75 events required evacuations.

This report provides information for public officials and those in private industry who are interested in preventing future chemical injuries. This report provides data which can be used to identify the most hazardous situations. To request a copy of the full report, please contact the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Environmental Health Risk Assessment in writing at Three Capitol Hill, Room 201, Providence, RI 02908-5097 or by calling (401) 222-3424.