TitleAssociating Increased Chemical Exposure to Hurricane Harvey in a Longitudinal Panel Using Silicone Wristbands.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsSamon S, Rohlman D, Tidwell LG, Hoffman PD, Oluyomi AO, Anderson KA
JournalInt J Environ Res Public Health
Volume19
Issue11
Date Published2022 05 30
ISSN1660-4601
Cyclonic Storms, Floods, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Humans, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Silicones

Hurricane Harvey was associated with flood-related damage to chemical plants and oil refineries, and the flooding of hazardous waste sites, including 13 Superfund sites. As clean-up efforts began, concerns were raised regarding the human health impact of possible increased chemical exposure resulting from the hurricane and subsequent flooding. Personal sampling devices in the form of silicone wristbands were deployed to a longitudinal panel of individuals = 99) within 45 days of the hurricane and again one year later in the Houston metropolitan area. Using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, each wristband was screened for 1500 chemicals and analyzed for 63 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Chemical exposure levels found on the wristbands were generally higher post-Hurricane Harvey. In the 1500 screen, 188 chemicals were detected, 29 were detected in at least 30% of the study population, and of those, 79% ( = 23) were found in significantly higher concentrations ( < 0.05) post-Hurricane Harvey. Similarly, in PAH analysis, 51 chemicals were detected, 31 were detected in at least 30% of the study population, and 39% ( = 12) were found at statistically higher concentrations ( < 0.05) post-Hurricane Harvey. This study indicates that there were increased levels of chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey in the Houston metropolitan area.

10.3390/ijerph19116670
Alternate JournalInt J Environ Res Public Health
PubMed ID35682254
PubMed Central IDPMC9180596
Grant ListP42-ES016465 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P30 ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P30-ES030287 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
R21-ES029460 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
T32-ES0007060 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
Projects Reference: 
Silicone Wristband Personal Monitoring Device
Hurricane Harvey and hazardous exposures
Silicone Passive Sampling Devices