Health Effects of Cut Gas Lines and Other Petroleum Product Release Incidents - Seven States, 2010-2012

Large mass casualty gas explosions and catastrophic oil spills are widely reported and receive considerable regulatory attention. Smaller, less catastrophic petroleum product releases are less likely to receive publicity although study of these incidents might help focus and prioritize prevention efforts. To describe the causes and health impacts of petroleum product release incidents, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry analyzed 2010-2012 data from the National Toxic Substance Incidents Program. A total of 1,369 petroleum product release incidents were reported from seven states, resulting in 512 injuries and 36 deaths. Here, Anderson discusses the findings of this study and analyzes the health effects of cut gas lines and other petroleum product release incidents in the seven states.