Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #119378

Margot T. Brown, MSPH, Center for Applied Environmental Public Health, Tulane University SPHTM, 1430 Tulane Avenue, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 7 0112, 5040-988-1774, mbrown4@tulane.edu

Background: Louisiana is home to 173 chemical and petroleum facilities, which released a reported 13.6 million pounds of hazardous air pollutants in 2002. More importantly, many of these facilities are within a half-mile radius of residential areas, commonly referred to as fenceline communities (FLCs). FLCs, unlike other communities, experience a unique array of environmental hazards ranging from odors to explosions. Their degree of concern about health and environmental issues may vary greatly when compared to individuals from non-fenceline communities (NFLCs). Objective: To determine whether a community's proximity to a petrochemical facility impacts, (1) their health status and (2) their concerns about health and the environment. Methods: A survey of 400 households was conducted using random digit dialing. Sampling methods were used to obtain an equal distribution of households in FLCs (N=200) and in NFLC (N=200). Communities were matched on socioeconomic factors using 2000 U.S. census data. Results: There were no significant differences in self reported health status or individual health concerns between FLCs and NFLCs. Individual environmental concerns regarding noise, odors, flares, and explosions were significantly higher in FLCs than NFLCs. Discussion: Preliminary results suggest there may be a difference in how FLCs perceive environmental risk as compared to NFLCs, however, few studies have investigated this relationship. Additionally, the public's perceptions of environmental hazards often influences the priorities and legislative agendas of regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, underscoring the need for further research in this area.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify top five health and environmental concerns for both fenceline and non-fenceline communities
• Articulate the significance how an individual’s proximity to a major industrial facility may influence their concerns about health and environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.