Exploring the Nature of Acute Petroleum Releases Using Data from the National Toxic Substance Incidents Program, 2010 [POSTER]

Introduction

In January 2010, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry established the National Toxic Substance Incidents Program (NTSIP) to reduce injuries and deaths associated with acute hazardous substance incidents. Unlike its predecessor, the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system, NTSIP captures petroleum only releases that result in a public health action (e.g. evacuations or injuries). Petroleum can cause serious morbidity, mortality, and property loss due to its explosive properties. Additionally, it can have a negative impact on the environment (e.g., Deep Water Horizon oil spill). In this analysis we characterize the nature of petroleum incidents to guide future prevention efforts.

Methods

We analyzed single substance incidents involving petroleum that occurred in 2010 from the seven state NTSIP dataset.  To identify petroleum incidents, we queried the field “chemical name” for petroleum fuels; including but not limited to:  gasoline, diesel, kerosene, propane, and natural gas.

Results

Of the 2,806 single chemical releases that occurred in 2010, 345 (12.3%) were petroleum.  A majority of the petroleum events occurred at fixed facilities (79.4%).  Equipment failure and human error were the most frequently reported contributing factors (46.8% of events each). Fires and/or explosions were involved in 13.0% of the events. Of the 278 events that included an industry type, utilities were the most commonly reported (33.1%).  A total of 9,395 persons evacuated in 63.5% of the events. Sixty-two events (18.0%) resulted in 116 injured persons and five fatalities. The public (65.5%) and employees

(31.9%) were the most frequently injured population groups.  Dizziness and headaches were the most frequently reported injuries.

Discussion

Utilities constituted about a third of all petroleum incidents and should be the main focus of prevention outreach.  Recent high profile incidents have increased the awareness of the dangers associated with petroleum releases. Data gained from this analysis, and other more in-depth reports, can be used to guide prevention efforts.

Conclusion

Because of the potential dangers caused by petroleum incidents, efforts should continue to find alternatives.  Additionally, strong efforts to improve safety, including the safety culture, training, and equipment design and maintenance are crucial for preventing loss of life and property.