Follow-Up Assessment of Health Consequences after a Chlorine Release from a Train Derailment—Graniteville, SC, 2005

Abstract

Introduction After a train derailment released chlorine gas in Graniteville, South Carolina, in 2005, a multiagency team performed an epidemiologic assessment of chlorine exposure and resulting health effects. Five months later, participants were resurveyed to determine their health status and needs and to assist in planning additional interventions in the community. Methods Questionnaires were mailed to 279 patients interviewed in the initial assessment; follow-up telephone calls were made to nonresponders. The questionnaire included questions regarding duration of symptoms experienced after exposure and a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment tool. Results Ninety-four questionnaires were returned. Seventysix persons reported chronic symptoms related to the chlorine exposure, 47 were still under a doctor's care, and 49 were still taking medication for chlorine-related problems. Agreement was poor between the first and second questionnaires regarding symptoms experienced after exposure to the chlorine (κ=0.30). Forty-four respondents screened positive for PTSD. PTSD was associated with post-exposure hospitalization for three or more nights [relative risk (RR) = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-2.6] and chronic symptoms (RR=9.1; 95% CI=1.3-61.2), but not with a moderate-to-extreme level of chlorine exposure (RR=1.2; 95% CI=0.8-1.8).Conclusions Some victims of this chlorine exposure event continued to experience physical symptoms and continued to require medical care 5 months later. Chronic mental health symptoms were prevalent, especially among persons experiencing the most severe or persistent physical health

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Fatal chlorine gas exposure at a metal recycling facility: Case report

“…Occupational exposure to high concentrations of chlorine gas is rare, and most commonly due to workplace unintentional events or human error. In 2005, 72 persons were hospitalized and 9 died after a train transporting 60 tons of chlorine gas derailed in South Carolina . Additionally, emergency personnel responding to such incidents may be exposed to the hazards without sufficient respiratory protection .…”

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of a chlorine gas release at a metal recycling facility.

“…Twenty-two percent of employees reported symptoms consistent with PTSD following an unintentional chlorine gas release at a poultry processing plant in 2011 [NIOSH 2013], and nearly half of respondents reported PTSD symptoms following a train derailment and chlorine gas exposure in South Carolina in 2005 [Duncan et al 2011]. PTSD symptoms have the potential to last many years, with approximately one-third of individuals diagnosed with PTSD displaying symptoms for up to 6 years in one study [Bisson 2007].…”