Household hazardous waste (HHW) continues to be a growing problem in the United States of America (USA), and globally. Disposing of HHW is important when protecting human health and the environment. Recycling HHW has many benefits including reducing contact with hazardous pollutants. This study describes participants in a HHW recycling program in a small southern community in the USA, and factors that influence their participation. This HHW Recycling Day collects (potentially) harmful substances from citizens for proper disposal. A 28 item questionnaire was completed by 145 participants. The top hazardous items recycled were paint, electronic waste, and batteries. Individuals who were retired were more likely to recycle and felt more confident about properly managing HHW. Men and participants with a college degree were more likely to recycle HHW. Educating the public regarding HHW disposal is essential. Funding such programs may increase community awareness.
The Deepwater Horizon oil explosion in the Gulf of Mexico (United States of America) had an impact on those living in Louisiana, including job and income loss, and changes in seafood consumption. This study examined perceptions and behaviors related to seafood consumption for students/staff at a Louisiana university. After university approval, 1,436 randomly selected individuals were sent an explanatory email with a link to survey questions. Non-responders received second and third requests at three-week intervals, resulting in 239 participants. Concern about the safety of seafood was greatest six months after the spill. Nearly two-thirds indicated no change while 35% decreased seafood consumption. Before the spill, 43% asked about the seafood source, while 64% did after. Respondents changed consumption patterns during and after the spill. Most expressed concern regarding the oil and use of dispersants. Behaviors were influenced primarily by TV and newspapers which respondents considered trustworthy.
Louisiana (LA) ranks fifth in the United States in cancer mortality rate. LA's infamous “cancer alley” is a well evidenced region near the southeast part of the Mississippi river surrounding the petrochemical hub of the state. LA has also experienced a high COVID‐19 death rate and incidences compared to other states during the recent pandemic. In this study we analyzed publicly available datasets related to health and socio‐economic parameters in LA to determine the factors triggering high incidences and deaths caused by COVID‐19. Correlation analysis was performed to find the impact of different parameters on the outcome of COVID‐19. Our analysis showed higher COVID‐19 incidences in the parishes which are in and around the “cancer alley” with a correlation of
r
= 0.9. Interestingly, results also indicated a strong correlation (
r
= 0.9) between the death rates caused by asbestos toxicity to COVID‐19 caused death rate. Furthermore, we found that office‐administration related employment has a positive correlation to COVID‐19 incidences in the “cancer alley.” However, we also found both white and black races are equally affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic in the “cancer alley” region. In conclusion, our analysis strongly suggests that inhabiting “cancer alley” could significantly enhance the chances of getting affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 virus compared to other regions in LA.
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