The Intercontinental Terminals Chemical Fire Study: A Rapid Response to an Industrial Disaster to Address Resident Concerns in Deer Park, Texas

Abstract

On Sunday, 17 March 2019, a fire erupted at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC, Deer Park, La Porte, TX, USA), resulting in a large fire that blazed for several days. In response, we rapidly launched disaster response activities to monitor air pollutants (total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and ultra-fine particles (UFPs) during the fire in two affected communities. To assess immediate health effects and residential air quality, we also rapidly launched a pilot study, the Deer Park Chemical Fire (DeeP Fire) Study, in which we administered health surveys and installed samplers to monitor air quality outdoors of resident homes for up to six weeks. In both communities, mean ambient concentrations of PM2.5, BC and TVOCs were higher during the first week of the fire than a week after it was extinguished. Thirteen residents participated in the DeeP Fire Study. Most residents reported experiencing respiratory symptoms and some reported being bothered by at least one post-traumatic stress disorder symptom during the fire and two weeks afterwards. In the months following the fire, the 7-day mean ambient concentration of benzene from 12 homes was 0.13 ± 0.10 parts per billion (ppb) and the 6-week mean ambient concentrations of PM2.5 and TVOCs were 13 ± 6 µg/m3 and 108 ± 98 ppb, respectively. All residents requested and received individualized air monitoring reports. Surveillance systems that enable real-time monitoring of the environmental health impact during a major industrial incident are needed to provide timely information to adequately respond to a disaster in the future.

Spatial and temporal distribution of surface water contaminants in the Houston Ship Channel after the Intercontinental Terminal Company Fire

“…The ITC fire resulted in a sustained release of a variety of contaminants to both ambient air and surface water 9 . While most direct exposure to the public from such an incident is likely from inhalation 7 , exposure due to surface water is also possible as the Houston Ship Channel is used for recreation. For instance, several public parks provide access to this massive body of water, and anglers are commonly seen in the area despite the presence of fish advisories 22 .…”

“…Several recent studies assessed the releases of pollutants during the ITC Fire accident. An Han et al 7 investigated air quality and health concerns of affected residents over a 6 week period following the accident. While this study found no elevations in the air concentrations of benzene, total volatile organic compounds, or particular matter (2.5 μm diameter), a small-size (13 individuals) health effects survey identified mild respiratory and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms during the fire and two weeks afterwards.…”

Impact of a Large Fire and Subsequent Pollution Control Failure at a Coke Works on Acute Asthma Exacerbations in Nearby Adult Residents

“…Other studies by that group documented increased symptoms, outpatient visits, and medication use for respiratory disease, including asthma, during this same OAP incident [16,17]. Increased respiratory symptoms were reported by nearby residents during and for several weeks after a large industrial fire in Texas, US, which burned and released PM2.5 and black carbon into the atmosphere for several days [18]. A recent meta-analysis confirmed reports of an increased incidence of asthma in first responders involved in rescue and recovery following the attack and fire on the World Trade Center in the US [19].…”

Impact of a Large Fire and Subsequent Pollution Control Failure at a Coke Works on Acute Asthma Exacerbations in Nearby Adult Residents

“…Increased respiratory symptoms were reported by nearby residents during and for several weeks after a large industrial fire in Texas, US, which burned and released PM 2.5 and black carbon into the atmosphere for several days [18]. A recent meta-analysis confirmed reports of an increased incidence of asthma in first responders involved in rescue and recovery following the attack and fire on the World Trade Center in the US [19].…”